Sept. 29 Is National Coffee Day: Have your next coffee meeting 'local'

I'm vocal - and perhaps even a little annoying - about my passion for supporting locally owned, family-owned businesses.

Friday, Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day and I'd like to challenge everyone - even if it's just for this one day - to try a locally owned coffee shop in your area.

I used to frequent chain coffee shops on a regular basis -- and then 2012 happened. Three of my biggest clients took work in house at the same time. Rebuilding my business was tough and I take a lot of pride in the fact that I continue to rebound with the ongoing support of locally owned, family-owned businesses.

I don't have any coffee clients, but as a coffee aficionado, it's just an easy way I can personally support locally owned businesses on a regular basis.

It's with a grateful heart that I go way out of my way to patronize locally owned coffeeshops. I carefully curate a list of locally owned coffee options not just in my city - but in cities I visit. It's kind of my thing.

Chain coffee shops are certainly everywhere - but if you do a little legwork you'll probably find a local one to try that's not that far out of your way.

If your plans for Friday involve coffee away from home, consider enjoying your coffee at a local shop.