Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce: Supporting small business during pandemic is crucial for their survival

Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce is joining chambers and small businesses across the state of Illinois to launch the 'IL'ove Local campaign to encourage people to support local businesses during the week of April 11-18, led by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

For years, the local business community has been supporting the community through raffle donations, fundraisers for schools and non-profits, sponsoring local sport teams and funding the Chamber Scholarship Program for local high school students.

"It is time for the residents to support the business community or they will not be here to support their future fundraisers," says Cindy Allston, president/CEO of the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce. "I understand not everyone will be able to purchase gift cards, or order take out, but they can share businesses' posts, give a positive recommendation, join the Bloomingdale Strong Facebook group, where businesses are allowed to post."

The statistics are staggering for small businesses following natural disasters: according to FEMA, roughly 40% to 60% of small businesses that close after a disaster never re-open.

"People across the state are staying home to save lives, we want to ensure that small businesses can save their livelihoods," said Lisa Weitzel, president of Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. "We are asking neighbors to put their money where their heart is and support the 'IL'ove Local initiative."

Each dollar spent at a local, independent business returns 50 times more money to the local economy than shopping at a mega e-retailer. Across Illinois, small businesses provide communities with good jobs, quality service, and the character that makes cities, towns and neighborhoods feel like home.

From Chicago to Carbondale and the Mississippi to Lake Michigan, Illinois chambers are coming together sharing resources, building community and uniting to create the week-long initiative designed to drive business to our small businesses. Collectively small, local businesses are the states' largest employer. Small businesses employ more than half of the working class in the United States.

What shoppers can do

• Follow social distancing guidelines and stay home as much as possible.

• Buy Local. Find out if your favorite local store has an online shop or reach out to them to find out how you can purchase now for pick up later.

• Buy gift cards to use later. Bloomingdale Chamber made that possible with a Gift Card Extravaganza event on their website: bloomingdalechamber.com

• Take online virtual classes from your favorite local business.

• Get takeout/delivery - Tip big! List of Take Out businesses is on the Bloomingdale Chamber website: bloomingdalechamber.com

• Consider buying lunch/dinner for the first responders, you will help your local restaurants and the people who serve us all.

• Buy gift cards from local businesses for your favorite waiter/waitress/bartender.

• Like and share your favorite local businesses social media post and join Bloomingdale Strong Facebook group.

• Once you've purchased a gift card or meal, take a picture of it, share it on your social media and hashtag #IloveIllinois #BloomingdaleStrong #ILoveLocalBloomingdale o OR use #shopsmall #shopillinois #Illinoisstrong #AllInIllinois

• Maintain your memberships

• Check out chamber links and directories for a one-stop shop in shopping small, of all the ways to support independent Illinois businesses in your backyard. (www.IllinoisLoveLocal.com)

This is a partnership led by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, with participation from Chambers of Commerce across Illinois in support small businesses across the state. The Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives was established in 1915 and serves over 130 chambers of commerce and their professional staff throughout the state. IACCE supports the development of chamber professionals by creating opportunities for growth and recognition.

More information on the 'IL'ove Local campaign can be found at www.IllinoisLoveLocal.com.