We’re regulars at DC’s Basecamp, a local printing and shipping shop. It’s where we buy reams of recycled paper, drop off left over shipping boxes to be reused and send hundreds of DVD screeners to film festivals and distributors. But the main reason we frequent Basecamp is the owner Raj, who just might be the friendliest small-business owner in DC. He always has a smile on his face and is always genuinely interested in what you’re up to. He sees his shop as more than just a place to make copies and drop off packages; it’s a cornerstone of the community. Last night Raj held one of his tri-yearly BBQ’s in the back alley of the store for all of his patrons, many of which contributed towards the $6,240 the store raised for the victims of the natural disasters in Japan and New Zealand. In addition to plenty of beer and booze, Raj served German sausages, pork ribs and catered Nepalese food, a nod to his heritage. It was so nice to meet people in the neighborhood from all different backgrounds whom I wouldn’t have otherwise met and it was all because of the local print shop. Why can’t all small businesses be like this?
