Support Elgin area local businesses on Small Business Saturday

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Small Business Saturday was established in 2010 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support and boost awareness of the huge impact small businesses have on the local economy. The date coincides with the largest shopping weekend of the year following Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

“Recent statistics from the SBA indicate that when consumers shop local and spend $100 at small, independently-owned retailers and restaurants, roughly $68 stays in the local economy,” said Carol Gieske, president, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, the SBA notes that local businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes. “This is a very impressive statistic and meaningful for our highly philanthropic Elgin area community,” adds Gieske. “This, among many other reasons, is why supporting our local businesses throughout the entire year is so important for all of us.”

The greater Elgin area offers a wide range of diverse businesses that provide the necessary goods and services to help boost the economy and enhance its neighborhoods.

Bob Karas is owner of the Karas Group which operates four popular area restaurants, including Alexander’s Café, Rookies, and Old Republic in Elgin and the Village Squire in South Elgin.

Community support is vital to his business. “It’s like the air we breathe,” Karas said. “Without
it we would not survive. We love to see our community in our restaurants and to be involved in community events, fundraisers, and also be a part of the fabric of the Fox Valley. We want people to be proud of our establishments and take it seriously to represent our community well.”

The family-owned Herb’s Bakery on Larkin Avenue in Elgin has been baking sweet memories for over 60 years. According to Wendy Wessel, co-owner of Herb’s Bakery with her brother Erich Schwartz, “the support of our local community has been tremendous and particularly during the past two years during the pandemic. We have seen how the Fox Valley community has made a special effort to shop local and eat local. It is so gratifying and appreciated to experience this awesome support.”

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce has an extensive website filled with information about businesses, job opportunities, advocacy, and both business and community events.

Check out the Chamber’s Facebook page and visit ElginChamber.com to stay connected.