As an office manager, you have the power to make a big impact on your community simply by choosing where you spend your money. When it comes to catering for meetings and events, there are plenty of big chain options that may seem convenient and cost-effective. However, supporting small, local businesses can bring a host of benefits to your office and the community at large.
For starters, local providers are more likely to source their ingredients from local farms and suppliers. This not only supports the local agriculture industry, but it also often leads to fresher, higher-quality food. In addition, by choosing a local company, you are directly supporting the local economy and helping to create jobs in your community.
Another advantage of local catering is the personal touch. Many small businesses pride themselves on offering a more customized and attentive service. This can be especially important for office events, as the company can work with you to create a menu that perfectly fits the needs and preferences of your team.
Of course, price and convenience are important considerations as well. While it may be tempting to go with a big chain for the sake of efficiency, it is worth considering the long-term benefits of supporting local businesses. These companies often offer competitive pricing and can be just as reliable as their larger counterparts. In fact, by building a relationship with a local company, you may be able to negotiate better rates and secure preferred treatment for your office's events.
In summary, choosing local for your office events not only helps to support the community, but it can also lead to fresher, higher-quality food, more personalized service, and potentially even cost savings in the long run. So next time you are planning an office event, consider going with a small, local catering provider. Your team (and the community) will thank you.