Alerts Sign-up
The holiday season has arrived, marking the return of the Shop Local initiative in Grundy County. The Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry is encouraging residents to find gifts within the local community.
“By shopping local we are not only supporting our local economy, but we are also supporting the business owners and their employees who live and work here,” stated Chamber President & CEO Christina Van Yperen. She emphasized that spending locally helps reinvest in the community, enhancing overall quality of life.
For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the local economy, according to Van Yperen. Local retailers have already commenced their Holiday Open House events, with the shopping season having started on Small Business Saturday. In Coal City and Diamond, an annual passport program is underway as an incentive for residents to shop locally.
The Chamber’s Coalers Business Alliance is managing the Eat, Drink, Shop & Be Merry passport program in Coal City and Diamond. This initiative began on Small Business Saturday and will run until December 17. Shoppers at participating locations can earn chances to win chamber gift certificates by collecting stamps for every $10 spent. Participating locations include The Cove, Coal City Public Library, Mending Hearts Therapy, Rolando’s Furniture & Appliance, Minnie’s Travel Boutique, The Clubhouse, Lori Bonarek Realty in Coal City, Yunker Motowerx, The QUEEN BEES, Blue Oval Rentals, Sunshine Garden Center and Hexagon Real Estate in Diamond.
Completed passports can be submitted at designated locations or village halls for a chance to win prizes worth $200, $100 or $50. Winners will be notified by December 20. Riverside Medical Center sponsors this program.
“As local business owners the holiday season is our busiest time of year and also the best time for us to connect with our customers,” said Sarah Beach from Sunshine Garden Center. She expressed appreciation for being part of customers' holiday traditions.
For those uncertain about gift choices, Grundy County Chamber Gift Certificates are available. These certificates support chamber member businesses exclusively and can be purchased at the Chamber's Morris office or ordered online.
