Let’s Celebrate!

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Since 1962, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year the celebration runs from April 30th through May 6th.

The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce couldn’t be more excited to celebrate small business week.  A week of special recognition for these hard-working individuals is much deserved.

In North Iowa, the average small business has approximately 10 employees.  They are the ones who dreamt their whole life about opening that coffee shop, or their own insurance company.  Their businesses are the pillars holding up our community.  It’s where we go to grab lunch with friends.  Where we buy our car insurance, our groceries, and cute décor for our homes.

And the people who own them?  Well, they are our neighbors and friends.  Our kids grew up together; playing sports, going to dances, graduating.  Sales for them are more than just another line item for their accountant to record on the books.

It’s a big deal.

Huge, actually.

It means buying groceries and putting gas in their car.  Or being able to expand or hire another employee.  It means sponsoring a band for a community event or donating to the school group who needs new uniforms.

It means everything.

And so, as we embark on Small Business Week, feel free to hop on the party train and celebrate at any time.  Here’s how…
  1. Buy Gift Cards – Give them to your friends.  Give them to your kids.  Heck… give them to your friends’ kids!  Hide them in a random sweatshirt pocket to find when you least expect it.  Stock up to give away as gifts later!
  2. Order Local This Month – Even if it’s just once. Something you maybe buy online because it’s easy or whatever… switch it up and buy local.  You might find the service and quality is a lot better!
  3. Start a “Shop Local” Challenge on social media – This is my favorite. Being a small business owner myself, when someone posts a photo of themselves reading my book at a pool or beach, I do a happy dance.  Get creative – and then challenge your friends to join in the fun!
  4. Nominate a Business for a Small Business Award – People love to win things. Do a little digging, see if there are any awards in the area and nominate your favorite business.  There’s nothing better than displaying that esteemed recognition in your store!
  5. Highlight Local Businesses Online – Super easy to do! Giving a business a rave review is crucial, but a random post on social media going on and on about the wonderfulness of a business’s product or service is PURE GOLD.  If you love it, shout it from the rooftops.
We may sound a bit like a broken record over here, touting about shopping local day in and day out.

But we won’t stop.

We can’t stop.

It’s our mission at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce to be the champion for business success and quality of life, creating a thriving destination and driving community prosperity.

And our staff will work tirelessly to ensure that’s just what we do!

You can view a full listing of our business directory HERE.  And make sure you join our “Shop Local Clear Lake” group on Facebook.  Our chamber members post about deals, specials, and upcoming activities for their business!