To the Editor:

I recently had a great experience with yet another local business. The task was essentially to change out a kitchen faucet and it was an absolute bear of a job, followed by one of those scenarios where everything else started to break. Long story short: After three trips to Lowes I never found all the fittings I needed. In one case I paid $15 for a kit that had the single fitting I needed but such was not available separately.

Finally I needed only a copper compression fitting to go from the copper pipe that had pinholes in it, and the associates at the local big box store found everything but what I needed and never the right part, even though I had the old part with me.

To the rescue, I went to Howland Pump on State Highway 68 just outside Ogdensburg. In about 7 minutes, I had the part I needed and was leaving their store to come back home. No mess, no fuss, no empty wallet.

The lesson here? The big box store just didn't have what I needed and their associates were never able to help me. They suggested I try the Watertown store for a wider selection. That wasn't being very local in my book.

But our local business, Howland Pump not only had exactly what I needed but knew almost instantly what I needed. Not only that, but the prices of the items I could remember were priced noticeably less than the big box store! I learned long ago you had to be certain of what you needed at the big box stores.

Thank you to Howland Pump, for being there.

I know you want to cater to contractors who make bigger purchases and spend more money, but especially after thinking about spending locally, I will be back for all my plumbing needs. The friendly and helpful of all the employees was something to be proud of and the staff outstanding. Service was excellent.

I highly recommend Howland Pump for their service, pricing and proficiency.

Tom Rivet`

Heuvelton