If you have family history in Owensboro, I am sure you have heard parents or grandparents reminisce about the days of Anderson’s, McAtee’s, J.J. Newberry’s, and many other community business institutions that provided a local, personalized approach for shopping.
Luckily, Owensboro has seen a renaissance of local offerings emerge and thrive in recent years. These small businesses contribute to the economy and the community in a myriad of ways. In fact, studies have shown that on average, each $100 spent at a local business generates $45 of secondary spending (payroll, profits spent locally by owners, donations to area charities, etc.). The economic multiplier is for every dollar spent, three more are generated.
The impact is significant. Owensboroans had the opportunity to support these local businesses on Nov. 24 when we kicked off 2018 Shop Owensboro. Thousands of shoppers from all over crowded our Chamber members’ businesses to keep their money right here at home.
In an effort to raise awareness of the economic impact of shopping local and to support our Chamber members, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Independence Bank partner annually to present Shop Owensboro — a community-wide initiative to encourage holiday shoppers to visit local businesses the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday — a day known nationally as Small Business Saturday. This event has grown exponentially in recent years to become a holiday tradition in Owensboro. Shop Owensboro allows us to support our neighbors and keep local money local. It is good for the economy, and good for the soul. And, it presents a teaching opportunity for our young people.
This week at our Rooster Booster, we will celebrate these entrepreneurs and continue to remind our community to Shop Owensboro throughout this season — and year round. We will have giveaways, Christmas carols from the Kentucky Youth Chorale and a special spotlight of our Shop Owensboro businesses. The Rooster Booster, as always, is open the public with a reduced rate for Chamber Members.
For a list of participating businesses, you may visit the Chamber website at owensboro.com/chamber, our Facebook page or our Instagram profile.
We look forward to continuing the movement with people across the community to keep our money where are heart is. Shop Owensboro.
Be sure to continue to document your Shop Owensboro experience on social media by using the hashtags: #SHOPOWENSBORO #GOCHAMBER #1776REVOLUTION #SHOPSMALL #SUPPORTLOCAL #PUTYOURMONEYWHEREYOURHEARTIS