People often think leadership means being the one out front, making decisions, setting the tone. And yes, that is a good chunk of what I do. But in my role, being a supporter matters just as much. Sometimes more.

I’ve learned that leadership is not always about talking. A lot of it is listening. Standing beside people who are doing good work and making sure their efforts are seen. Championing causes that highlight the people who need us most. Using whatever platform I have to shine a light on issues that do not always get attention but should.

And sometimes support looks very simple. It looks like putting my actual, literal money where my mouth is.

Small Business Saturday is coming up, and it has become one of my favorite traditions. Every year, I take a few of my nieces and/or nephews downtown to spend the afternoon shopping. We wander Central Avenue. We hunt for gifts. We talk. We laugh. They pick out things for their parents or for each other. I absolutely love that Auntie Niki Adventure time with them. I love creating those very specific, community-friendly memories, and I love knowing we are helping the businesses that feed into our local economy.

Fort Dodge and Webster County have incredible small businesses. And if you didn’t know that already, you do now. You can find unique gifts, thoughtful books, warm sweaters, local art, bakery treats, and handmade items you won’t see anywhere else. Downtown has become such a special place to explore during the holidays. I’m grateful for the warm, welcoming store owners who greet us each year and recommend the best gifts of the season.

Shopping local is more than checking items off a list. It is supporting Cori at Green Dragon, who takes every opportunity to use her shop to lift up other businesses. And Ethan at Dungeons & Dodgers, who has created a special place for folks who eagerly anticipate new comic book releases, weekly D&D, and the annual Grinch sightings. And Angela at Cascades, whose whole goal is to give us a little pampering. Shopping local means choosing to help a neighbor or a family or someone who took the risk to open a business right here in Webster County.

Leadership takes many forms. Sometimes it looks like passing a new ordinance or having a tough conversation. Other times it looks like showing up for the people who keep our community vibrant. Supporting small businesses is one of the most direct ways we can do that.

So, as we head into the holiday season, I hope you will think local first. Your dollars matter. Your presence matters. And the people behind the counter notice.

This time of year is busy and joyful and yes, sometimes stressful. But it is also a time to remember what community really means. We show up. We help each other. We support the people who help make this place home.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Niki Conrad is the chairwoman of the Webster County Board of Supervisors.