Franchot Wants Marylanders To Get Offline; Shop Local

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot kicked off his “Shop Maryland for the Holidays” tour in Bethesda Wednesday, encouraging Marylanders to get off the Internet and shop local for the holidays.

“There is something to be said for the personal interactions with other shoppers and store employees at the holidays.  It’s warm and inviting, unlike a cold, unfeeling computer,” Franchot said in a statement. “Plus when you shop in state and support your community businesses, you are bound to find great deals and help the more than 500,000 Marylanders employed in our state’s retail sector. And really, isn’t the spirit of the holidays all about helping others and kindness?”

Franchot spoke in Veteran’s Park with Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce president Ginanne Italiano and Bethesda Urban Partnership director Dave Dabney before stopping in to shop for the holidays at downtown Bethesda businesses.