YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Carmine Pantano grew up on his father Frank's job sites, working with his hands.
The York County native owns Frank’s Marble and Granite in Red Lion.
"There’s a saying, if you can make it work in York, you can make it work anywhere," said Pantano.
Following the recession, Pantano knew something was needed to bring local businesses together.
"I love York County and love to support York as much as possible," said Pantano.
And much like a slab of marble, he just needed to carve it out.
"It was really a big push to supporting local," he said.
He formed the Buy Local Coalition in 2009, bringing together about a dozen York County business owners.
"You get to know everybody firsthand, person to person," said Pantano. "So when you need that contact, you know who to call."
Today, the group has grown to more than 300 businesses across the county and its surrounding area.
"Just networking with other local businesses over the past 15 years, I’ve gotten a lot of businesses from other members and referrals," said Pantano. "It's been a great avenue to connect."
And not every business is brick and mortar.
Amanda Brindle services dogs across the area and comes right to them.
She says the coalition helped get her business, Amanda & FURiends Dog Services, off the ground.
"Just that word of mouth, that networking," said Brindle. "So many of my clients are Buy Local members."
The group has not only forged business connections but also lifelong friendships.
"It's a great sense of community and a great sense of everybody supporting each other and helping," said Brindle. "Wanting to see other businesses grow within the community."
The Buy Local Coalition also gives back to the community.
Its biggest fundraiser is Ales for Tales each summer, and it has raised more than $30,000 for local animal rescues alone.