In Monroe, a handshake still means something

Monroe comes in at No. 72 according to a national survey

MONROE, GA — In a world of electronic signatures, lengthy contracts and endless email chains, it turns out Monroe still appreciates an old-fashioned handshake.

According to a recent survey of more than 3,000 small business owners conducted by Advance Funds Network, Monroe ranked No. 72 nationally among communities where business owners believe trust, reputation and personal relationships still play a major role in doing business.

The survey set out to identify America’s remaining “handshake economies” — places where a person’s word still carries weight and where relationships often begin long before paperwork is signed.

For anyone familiar with Monroe, the ranking may not come as much of a surprise.

Whether it’s chatting with a local contractor at a Friday night football game, running into a real estate agent at a downtown event, or catching up with a small business owner while grabbing lunch on Broad Street, Monroe remains the kind of community where people know each other — and where reputations travel fast.

Researchers noted that Monroe’s downtown, restaurants, antique shops, schools, churches and family-owned businesses all contribute to a culture where personal connections still matter.

“In Monroe, a handshake is not just a quaint gesture; it is a reminder that business is still being done in a place where people expect names, promises, and behavior to matter,” the report stated.

While few business owners are abandoning contracts altogether, the survey found that trust remains an important currency. Nearly one-quarter of respondents said previous business experience with someone was the biggest factor in determining trust. Another 22 percent pointed to a person’s reputation in the community, while 20 percent said recommendations from people they know carry the most weight.

The findings suggest that while technology may have changed how business gets done, communities like Monroe still place a premium on relationships.

The survey also found that 85 percent of business owners believe reputation travels faster in smaller communities. Anyone who has lived in Monroe for more than a few years might argue that number should be even higher.

After all, in a town where your customers may also be your neighbors, fellow church members, youth sports coaches and friends, a good reputation can be one of the most valuable assets a business owner has.

Monroe was one of just three Georgia cities to make the list, joined by Milledgeville at No. 51 and Thomasville at No. 83.

So while contracts, attorneys and digital signatures aren’t going anywhere, Monroe’s ranking suggests that some traditions remain alive and well. Around here, a handshake may not replace the paperwork — but it still helps start the conversation.

This was compiled from a press release from Advance Funds Network.