In the middle of the holiday season, there’s no shortage of advertisements from national chains fishing for your dollars. With globalization and more shoppers turning to online shopping, local entrepreneurs are increasingly competing with chain stores.

As the economy remains sluggish, lawmakers are urging shoppers to buy local this holiday season. Now, VPR wants to know what does local business spirit look like in your community? In your neighborhood? On your block?

To participate, snap a photo that is emblematic of local business spirit where you live and submit it via the VPR iPhone App, Facebook, Twitter, or Email (see the instructions to the right). Be sure to explain how your snapshot shows the spirit of local Vermont businesses.

Submissions are moderated so there is a short delay before they appear. Please only submit photos you have taken or have permission to share.