A notable perception is that $1 spent in the local community last one hour.

So what can be done to sustain the local dollar for growth and development within the community?

The Gulf Coast African-American Chamber of Commerce has set out to answer this question, which effects the Pensacola area and communities nationwide.

Starting Oct. 1, the Chamber will team up with its membership in the 30 Day $30 Challenge.

The goal is to have at least 200 local residents, business owners and Chamber members to commit to the challenge and sow a seed of change into our community. When you spend $30 at a local business, post a selfie on social media and use the hashtag #30Day30DollarChallenge to show that you've accepted the challenge.

If you do that, your name will go into a drawing for a weekend getaway to New Orleans, including hotel accommodations, riverboat cruise, and a horse drown carriage ride. Getaway is sponsored by Choice WRNE 106.9FM, AM980.

By supporting locally owned businesses, the money spent can aid in the revitalization of our community and help families rise out of poverty.

This support adds value to neighborhoods that are home to these businesses. Efforts to retain or spend money in locally owned businesses will assist local business owners who frequently struggle to secure needed capital.

Brooke Johnson is a board member of the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce.