November 2023 Newsletter
Announcements
Annual Dinner
November 9th. RSVP today. If tickets are not included in your membership tier, additional tickets can be purchased for $35.
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Small Business Saturday
Are you a local small business? Send us your special deals and hours for November 25th and we will add it to our program and help spread the word!
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Christmas Light Up Parade
The first Saturday in December, the chamber hosts it's annual Christmas Light Up Parade. This year it's December 2nd. Parade begins at 5 pm
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From the Office
Shop Small
This week we received our Shop Small paraphernalia in preparation for Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and it prompted this month's topic of shopping small.
Fortunately, shopping small is becoming a growing priority for consumers with 93% of shoppers saying supporting small businesses is more important than ever since the pandemic ¹. Although the holiday season is often the most important quarter overall for most businesses, starting local and shopping small is something to consider all year and not just on Small Business Saturday. Also remember shopping small is not just retail, but dining, and other services as well!
Did you know that when you shop small, $0.67 of every dollar STAYS in our local community ²? Our local small businesses are so vital to the life of our community. I think of Hurlbert Hardware... a local legend that has been providing A+ customer service for decades. I would feel quite a loss without Jan to help me find the right tool for the job. I think of our locally-owned restaurants that are ready to serve up a unique experience. How close to a food desert we would be without them.
Back in 2015, I worked with a chamber committee on a Start Here campaign. I think it is time to share our top 5 reasons you should be buying local again. Here is a poster we made for the campaign.
What is your top reason for shopping small? I would love to know!
Sincerely,
Benjamin Beck, Executive Director
1.QuickBooks Survey 2.American Express reports
If you missed last month's post on SCAMS, I invite you to read it here.
Member Spotlight
This year has been huge for the food bank as we are seeing a need even greater than during the pandemic. Currently, the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County is seeing a 73% increase in need across the county, and we are officially entering what is historically our busiest time of the year. Thus far in 2023, we have more than doubled the amount of food going out to our community with the number of pounds of food distributed over 2 million, which includes over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce. Additionally, the food bank officially celebrated its 40th anniversary of feeding the people of Mercer County and we also announced our name change to Mercer County Food Bank to begin in 2024. The support of our community has been huge in meeting the increased demand and we like to remind those looking for ways to give back that for every $1 donated we are able to provide 3 meals and for every hour a volunteer shares with us one more person receives the food they need. Our mission here at CFWMC is to provide supplemental food to those who are hungry and to raise awareness of hunger throughout Mercer County and this truly embodies everything we do.
Visit our website at foodwarehouse.org
or give us a call at (724) 981-0353 to learn more.
The Thiel College Career Development Center has now launched a new tool to connect students with employers with Career Tablings, Internship Experiences, and Job Postings called Handshake.
Welcome New Members!
RJ Williams Inc. is a multi-faceted company including 5 buildings on Main Street. Adams Hotel is a hotel, restaurant, and bar.
Member-to-Member Perk: Stop by the Adams. I will buy you a cocktail.
The Gatehouse Winery at Pymatuning has an amazing collection of dry and sweet wines to please any palate. We also offer a limited, yet diverse, menu to pair with our wines. In addition, we accommodate private gatherings for all occasions. Come enjoy the Gatehouse Experience and create memories with family and friends.
VanMar Automotive is not your typical small-town automotive garage. We are in touch with some of the biggest and best names in the industry for anything from oil changes to engine rebuilds. Stop in and say Hello to our knowledgeable and experienced automotive specialists! Think of VanMar to care for your Car!
Member-to-Member Perks
ComDoc DocuCenter
Printing Services
Perk: One time free setup on business cards, brochures, or business forms.
In Other News
We are looking for community members who would like to join a special event committee!
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, Greenville will be in the path of a total solar eclipse! We hope you will join us for ECLIPSE FEST that day at the Greenville Area Sports Complex/Soccer Fields from 1 pm - 5 pm
Want to be a part of the event planning committee? Sign up here! Our next meeting to discuss organizing this event is Monday, November 13th, 12 pm at the Keifer Building at St. Pauls. Let Ben Beck know if you will be joining!
The Chamber newsletter is published the first Wednesday of each month except for holidays. Have an announcement? Send it to info@greenvillechamber-pa.com. Information for the next issue is due September 4, 2023
Have a Submission for Chamber Monday Email Updates?
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