Chamber News

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Small Business Season

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:25:52 GMT

Small Business Season

What does nearly every feel-good holiday movie have in common? A small business owner, of course! And that’s because there’s something magical about following your dreams and being part of a community.

If you think back to some of your most cherished holiday memories, they probably revolve around your favorite winter activity, meeting up with loved ones at a beloved restaurant, drinking a decadent hot beverage (from the place that has the very best coffee/cocoa and desserts), marveling at the businesses decorated in holiday lights, and shopping at your favorite store where you can always find that perfect something.

And one of the things that makes it all so special is the traditions you’ve created at those places with the people who mean the most to you.

From November 1st to December 31st, we're celebrating the heart and soul of our community – our small businesses. These entrepreneurs pour their passion and creativity into their shops, restaurants, services, and lodging, making our area unique and vibrant.

Small Business Season isn't just about buying things. It's about making a conscious choice to support the dreams and livelihoods of our friends, neighbors, and fellow community members. Every purchase you make at a small business has a ripple effect, helping create jobs, boost the local economy, and foster a sense of connection.

This holiday season, get ready to explore the many gems here in town! And since we’re all about making holiday memories, you’ll want to watch for some of our special events, including the 43rd Annual Christmas Walk, the GLOW parade, the 10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Lamppost Contest which all take place Thanksgiving weekend and our Holiday Shop and Stroll in December.

This Small Business Season we hope you’ll:

Discover unique gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures at our local shops and boutiques, vendor and craft fairs, and artisan markets.
Treat yourself (and your loved ones) by indulging in delicious meals at family-owned restaurants (after all, who wants to cook after a busy day?), book a relaxing spa treatment at a local salon, or sign up for a fun workshop at one of our many businesses downtown (check out our calendar to learn more).
Utilize our unique lodging options for family and guests.
Share your favorite small businesses on social media, leave positive reviews, and tell everyone about the amazing experiences you've had and the holiday traditions you’re making.

Remember, every dollar you spend at a small business makes a difference. Let's show our appreciation and support for the hardworking entrepreneurs who help our community thrive! Join us in celebrating small.

Timeless treasures and cherished memories are just around the corner—shop local!

P.S. If you're a small business owner, reach out and let us know how we can help you spread the word about your business this season!

Show Me St. Louis Visits Waterloo

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 22:30:59 GMT

Show Me St. Louis Visits Waterloo

Experience a real life ‘Hallmark town’ at Waterloo’s 42nd Annual Christmas Walk

From Santa to carriage rides and shopping, too! The 42nd Annual Christmas Walk has fun for the entire family to enjoy.

WATERLOO, Ill. — Haul out the holly! It is the most wonderful time of the year! And, we know just the place to kick off your holiday season!

“If you have ever wondered what it feels like to be on the set of a Hallmark movie, you need to come to the Christmas walk,” says Jenny Bullock, Chairperson of the Waterloo Christmas Walk.

No place celebrates the seasons quite like Waterloo, Illinois! On November 19th, the fun begins. Because after all, the best way to celebrate the holidays is to shop small.

Introducing the 42nd Annual Christmas Walk.

“It is a tradition where ladies will talk about it with their mom, and now they are doing it with their children. It is a time honored tradition here in Waterloo.”

From November 19th through Sunday, November 26th, you can shop at 18 participating businesses with your Christmas walk card. For every purchase you make, you get a stamp! Once you hit 9, you are entered to win a prize drawing with $1,300 in gift cards on the line. But, shopping is not the only fun to be had.

Santa is coming to town! You can catch the man with the list on Black Friday as he enters the city on carriage! After that, you can visit Santa for free every Saturday and Sunday leading up to December 23rd. And to think this holiday of fun, gets better. Visitors can enjoy free carriage rides, holiday music, the parade, frosty and rudolph, and more.

While the city is thrilled to host the festive fun, it is also an opportunity to spend your Black Friday and small business Saturday supporting local. Because every hallmark town has a community of supporters behind them.

Learn more by visiting http://www.exploretheloo.com/.

Author: Mary Caltrider

Published: 3:02 PM CST November 13, 2023

Updated: 3:02 PM CST November 13, 2023

Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:48:24 GMT

As part of its initiative to strengthen the region’s local business districts and corridors of commerce, Greater St. Louis, Inc. today visited Waterloo, Illinois, to hear directly from business owners and local leaders about how the regional initiative can provide support.

“The STL 2030 Jobs Plan calls for the development of this initiative to strengthen and grow local centers of business across the metro,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Revitalizing and supporting these key business districts while maintaining the distinct character that makes them so special will help stabilize local communities, revive small businesses, and create new jobs.”

The STL 2030 Jobs Plan noted that areas like Main & Mill Streets in Waterloo are not just hubs of local business activity, but that in many local communities, they also act as centers of civic life.

“We are committed to regional growth and believe that the small businesses in the heart of Waterloo are an important part of the region’s future,” said Chris Herrmann, Executive Director of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited about our ongoing discussions with Greater St. Louis, Inc. about how to strengthen our local businesses here in Waterloo and across the metro.”

After touring businesses along Waterloo’s Main and Mill Streets – including Coming Home and Bountiful Blossoms – Hall, Herrmann, and State Representative David Friess held a roundtable discussion at the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce to learn what is working and what challenges local businesses face.

“We appreciate the elected leaders and business owners who came out today to share their thoughts with us about how to strengthen their community. It’s great to see how people and businesses in Waterloo support one another and the larger community,” added Hall. “We’d like to take some of what we learned today and use that knowledge to help other communities across the St. Louis metro.”