Dec 10, 2011 at 9:52am ET by Greg Sterling

Annual US retail spending is roughly $4 trillion according to the US Commerce Department. And while e-commerce is growing very rapidly, it remains less than 5 percent of total retail sales. Historically, most search marketers have focused almost exclusively on e-commerce sales. But a new study finds that the real impact of paid search is offline.

One of the great things about living in Dallas, Texas is its wonderful surrounding communities.  Dallas, Texas is the ninth largest city in the United States and the fourth largest city in Texas, which makes Dallas a great place to live and work.

Did you know that when you buy from a locally owned business you are actually support yourself and your community?

Adweek, the famous company and website that helps keep the advertising world up to date with what's happening  just had a headline;  "Is Groupon's Daily Deals Model in Trouble” and our thought was, Of course it is. Their business model over the long term is unsustainable. And here's why...

We at Local Proud like to consider ourselves "green".  After all, not having to print coupons saves quite a few trees.

Charity golf tournaments can be one of the most fun-filled, as well as, fulfilling ways to spend a nice morning or afternoon on the golf course.

If cabin fever is setting in from the extreme heat, you’ll be happy to get out into the cooler temperatures for the Annual Golf Classic on Sept. 23 at Sherrill Park. If you haven’t registered yourself or your team, please join title sponsor Owen’s Foods and don’t delay. This golf outing will sell out.

Th following was written by Kevin M. from OutOfYourRut.com

Is debt different for people in different employment situations? I think so, certainly as it relates to the self-employed versus the salaried population. Does this sound preposterous? Maybe on the surface, but look a little deeper.

Millions of Americans push their shopping carts through a maze of produce at the supermarket, scoping out the finest, healthiest-looking specimen of the bunch.  Frugal shoppers turn the fruits or vegetables over in their fingers, scrutinizing it for any sign of deficiency. What few consumers notice is where and when that food was harvested.

The following is a guest post and article from a great blogger friend of ours. Her work can be found at GrowMap.

Kaufman is one of those rare cities fortunate to still have a thriving downtown, small businesses and no Wal-Mart, Lowes, or Home Depot.

How long that happy circumstance will last and small businesses survive remains to be seen because it was through lucky circumstance and not local awareness that Wal-Mart has not yet built there.

There are five things you can do everyday in order to keep your edge. I have learned that doing these things on a daily basis helps me stay grounded for my children, my wife, and my business.

Nothing beats the heat like a little local music.  It’s a great way to get out and enjoy a summer evening with family and friends.  Several venues around Allen offer free concerts as part of their outdoor music series.

Allen's annual Fourth of July celebration is always held a week early.  So if you are looking for fireworks in Allen this weekend, don't stop by Celebration Park.

Here are the top ten reason to by from locally owned business.

Hi again, it’s Dr. Jamie Hurst DeLuna. I’m back to tell you about some of the research I’ve done with parents and kids. I thought I’d tell you about my dissertation, which is the original research paper you write before you get your PhD.