Entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Lauren Kunz Chateauneuf is drawing attention to the quiet erosion of local support systems across upstate New York, emphasizing the immediate, tangible consequences for residents. Drawing from decades of experience running local businesses and leading a regional animal rescue, Chateauneuf states the effects are already visible in shortened business hours, reduced services, and increased strain on individuals.
Across Monroe County and the surrounding region, small businesses and nonprofits face pressure from rising costs, staffing shortages, and declining volunteer participation. Key indicators illustrate the scope: small businesses account for over 99% of businesses in New York State, yet many report thinner margins than pre-2020 levels. In Monroe County, nearly half of nonprofit organizations operate with fewer than five full-time staff, increasing reliance on volunteers. Furthermore, more than 60% of consumer spending in the region now goes to non-local retailers, reducing dollars that circulate within the local economy.
"These aren't abstract numbers," Chateauneuf said. "They translate into shorter hours, fewer services, and more strain on people who are already stretched." From her perspective, shaped by hands-on involvement across sectors, customers notice when support systems weaken, such as when a business cuts hours or a rescue pauses intake. She compares community investment to growing trees, requiring patience and consistent effort, as damage from disinvestment appears later.
Chateauneuf notes that many residents want to help but are unsure how to make a lasting impact. "People think they need big gestures," she said. "Most of the time, what matters is consistency." Local businesses and organizations depend on predictable engagement—repeat customers, steady volunteers, and word-of-mouth referrals. She emphasizes that supporting local doesn't require owning a business; it simply involves choosing to engage with one.
To address the issue, Chateauneuf shared a list of simple, realistic steps residents can take, such as buying one item from a locally owned business instead of a national chain, leaving a thoughtful review for a local shop, or volunteering one hour. "Small actions add up faster than people think," she said. For finding trustworthy local resources, she recommends starting with organizations that have a visible local presence, clear leadership, and a history of service, prioritizing transparency and consistency over hype.
Chateauneuf's message is a straightforward call to action: communities stay strong because people decide to take part. She encourages residents not to wait for the "right moment" but to choose one local action today and repeat it, as that is how momentum starts. Her insights are grounded in her role as President of Habitat for Cats and as a fourth-generation business owner, highlighting the interconnectedness of local economies and social support networks in upstate New York.
