Kooper Kraft spends time with Santa Claus during the Holiday Business Showcase. The showcase took place at Expedition Island last weekend. It was the ninth year the Chamber has hosted the event, which typically includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Suzie Johnson runs the Stellar Coffee booth during the Holiday Business Showcase at Expedition Island last weekend.
The holiday shopping season is well underway in Green River, and a large number of local businesses will feature deals and specials throughout the season. The Green River Chamber of Commerce has also started its third annual "Small Business Season," and the City of Green River recently proclaimed this Saturday, November 30, as "Small Business Saturday."
According to Chamber CEO Lisa Herrera, Small Business Season is community-wide initiative to champion the importance of supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season. Beginning on November 1 and continuing through the end of the year, Small Business Season aims to reacquaint residents with the unique benefits of shopping local and the lasting impact it-has on our community.
Herrera urges everyone to not only "shop small" this weekend with Small Business Saturday, but to continue shopping small throughout the holiday season.
As part of the Small Business Season initiative, the Chamber hosted their Ninth Annual Holiday Business Showcase at the Pavilion on Expedition Island this past weekend. Herrera said many local businesses, including nine store fronts and 19 home-based, were highlighted.
"This event was free to the public to attend and a reminder of all of the amazing business that we have locally," Herrera said.
During the event, an annual ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the Small Business Season. Mayor Pete Rust, along with the Green River Chamber Board of Directors and the Hole in the Wall Gang, were all in attendance, with Mayor Rust cutting the ribbon.
Herrera underlined the importance of Small Business Season.
"Small Business Season encourages residents to explore our shops, restaurants, and services that make our community unique," she said. "By choosing to shop local, you are supporting your neighbors and contributing to a thriving economy. These local businesses support us year-round, enriching our lives through their contributions to our schools, sports teams, arts programs, and countless other community endeavors. This holiday season, let us return the favor by supporting them and celebrating the beauty of our local community together."
Local small business owners also shared their thoughts about the importance of the Small Business Season. Ariann Childress, proprietor of Dabbing Unicorn Kreations, who offers gift sets in a variety of different items, explained how she offers different sales throughout the season.
"Most things I have are available for customized specials," she said. "During events I lower prices to make things more affordable, specifically during the holidays. I always tend to toss in extra things, freebies, as a thank you to my customers.
Childress also emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses.
"Shopping local is something I have always supported," she said. "Regardless of if the small business has similar products, I still find it helpful to support those small companies."
Childress's storefront also has several different vendors. She explained how she helps the vendors attract customers.
"As for the storefront, we help every way we can," she said. "For the current vendors in our store, we help with advertising, videos, and get them social media recognition. We are holding different events that are both fun and enjoyable for the children and their parents and grandparents. We have amazing talent here in Sweetwater County and we try to give everyone something."
When asked about what advice and strategies she would give other small businesses this time of year, Childress said, "My advice to other businesses is to be your creative self and do not hold back! And as far as a strategy goes, always be prepared for any upcoming holiday event and use social media. Post in public groups, ask family and friends to help share your content, run sales on your items, and make things kid friendly."
This Saturday in particular, everyone is encouraged to shop locally for "Small Business Saturday." However, organizations like the Green River Chamber and groups including local small business owners also stress the importance of supporting local businesses, and thereby strengthening the local economy, all year long.
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