06/02/2026
It was a true honor to stand before the Vero Beach City Council in 2025 to advocate for the heartbeat of our city:
■ our local small businesses ! ■
After 31 years of doing business here, it is clear that the rise of online shopping is putting immense pressure on our local retailers. While national e-commerce giants prioritize speed and price, our local shops are the ones giving back to our charities and supporting the community we all call home.
During my talk, I highlighted two major challenges we must tackle together:
The rising cost of living in Florida is making it incredibly difficult for our younger generation to build a future here, directly impacting our ability to retain local talent.
We need to move beyond traditional methods and embrace technology, specifically AI and software-driven platforms to better serve our residents and support our local economy.
By focusing on smart growth in areas like Vero Beach West and championing a "shop local" mindset, we can ensure our community remains vibrant and resilient.
Thank you to those who continue to support the local "mom and pop" shops that make Vero Beach so special!
https://youtu.be/SYG5N6zabaQ?si=QuPeCUhMzHx_UUm-
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
Indian River County Chamber of Commerce
Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Vero Beach
Key Themes of the TalkThe Impact of Online Shopping: Schwanitz ar...