"Locally owned" is still quite popular in the coastal towns associated with cruise-line tourism, and I'll tell you why. Both Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises (and probably every other cruise line) are very good about handing out pamphlets when you disembark which let you know which businesses they "recommend" you visit while you're off of the ship. What they don't tell you is that they recommend those businesses because they get a percentage of the tourism profits. So when you see a store or restaurant with a sign that says "Locally owned" (or something to that effect) it means they're not associated with any cruise lines and that they keep whatever profits they make, which is far better for their local economy.
I live in a county of over a million people and there's only one hospital system.
The older I get, the more I believe that honesty is not only morally right, but makes good practical business and personal sense.
For the cruise line, if it put out a list of "local business partners that we (the cruise line) promote [and clearly disclosed there was a revenue / profit share] because they are 'fairly priced,' 'locally owned,' 'represent the traditions of the island,' 'give a discount to cruise ship customers' etc." then there'd be no conflict of interest, no moment of cynical realization for their customers and no posts such as yours.
Instead, by obfuscating it, when it eventually comes out, the cruise ship looks deceitful and money grubbing.
For years, I ran money management businesses and I would start each salesperson or client meeting with, "let me tell you all the faults / problems / things that can go wrong with this product / strategy / investment." After doing that, I'd explain its possible benefits and close by reminding them of the problems / things that could go wrong.
I ran successful businesses that way for decades, had clients and salespeople who followed me from firm to firm and - and this was the most rewarding - got calls from clients or salespeople when something did go wrong who said - thank you, you told me this could happen and I was prepared - didn't love it - but wasn't surprised and, because of your warning, had only invested an amount that was appropriate to the risk.
I felt morally great about being honest, but again, it proved to be good business.
And speaking of telephones, was anyone here ever on a "party line?"
When you go to vote, you used to be able to vote a "straight ticket." I don't think that's possible anymore, not where I live.
I think they have that out of order! Should be, Cold Beer, Shotguns and Wedding Gowns.