If I had a dollar for every time I get asked something like, “What does the Chamber actually do?” or, “Do you do this full time?” I’d have a solid stream of income. I share this with a bit of humor, because it brings up a mix of reactions. Sometimes I’m surprised, trying to gauge whether the question is sarcastic or genuinely curious. Other times, it stops me in my tracks, because it reinforces a realization I’ve come to understand deeply. It reminds me just much of our work at the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce happens quietly–and how little of it is transactional. January 21 is nationally recognized as “Get To Know Your Customer Day.” That can mean many things across many industries, but at its core, it boils down to one thing: listening. One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in life is that listening matters far more than talking. This applies with our customers, and equally, it applies to chambers too. As a Chamber, we don’t have customers as they are typically defined. However, we do have members, and they are at the core of who we are and what we do. In fact, if there’s anything we’re known for, it’s that we “sell memberships,” with an annual fee (or due) required to be involved. But the Chamber isn’t here to sell membership. For us, the Get To Know Your Customer Day is a reminder of something bigger: the Chamber exists to understand needs, connect dots, and generate growth–both now and for the future. One of our founding principles in the work we do is advocacy. The word “advocacy” is received in so many different ways, and in many cases, is connected to politics. (Which, if I’m being honest, doesn’t always come with warm feelings.) If I may bend your ear, I would propose to you that advocacy is not politics or cut-throat government work. Rather, advocacy is about listening first, and then translating those needs and business pain points into policy conversations. We stand as a bridge between our local businesses and our elected officials on all levels, ensuring policy–which affects us all, whether we realize it or not–is pro-business. For example, the LaGrange County Chamber surveyed its membership in the last quarter of 2025 to identify countywide legislative priorities. Those priorities are being placed directly in the hands of legislators who represent our communities. These include pushes for legislation that address healthcare costs, housing needs, childcare availability and affordability, and workforce barriers. Granted, our calendars and meetings don’t make the headlines. But the outcomes shape the environment our businesses operate in every day. Emails, calls, meetings, and coalition-building efforts are pushing the needle in the name of LaGrange County advocacy. Another key principle is the work of convening–bringing people together for positive, impactful work. Sure, people see our events, the awards we present, and the photos we share. They don’t always see intention. Convening, at its core, is problem-solving, trust-building, and creating neutral tables, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the conversation. It’s where educators sit next to employers, nonprofit leaders sit next to manufacturers, and conversations turn into collaboration. This can be felt through forums, roundtables, education discussions, and cross-sector conversations. Remember, relationships move faster than institutions, and we’re seeing that played out on a weekly basis through partner connections and our membership’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Where I enjoy watching vision meet action is within our programming and workforce initiatives. Let’s be honest–if programming didn’t exist, we wouldn’t be able to connect folks, support small businesses, prepare the next generation, or adapt to changing workforce and marketplace realities. For example, consider how a leadership program, a career expo, or an advocacy forum cultivate connections and growth. Face-to-face relationships are the bread and butter of our communities, and these types of programs create a space for that to happen in real time. Students see careers differently, up-and-coming employees are empowered to take ownership in their workplace, and small, home-based businesses connect to a greater marketplace than can be tapped on their own. The work is a daily, weekly, monthly, annual plan being carried out in the details. It’s about planning, coordination, following-up, and connecting the right people quietly. It’s about bringing resources to the community in order to help land their hand in the hand of the exact, right person at the exact, right moment. This is where a chamber of commerce as a mechanism for business shines–because it’s about elevating businesses and sustaining the local economy for the long haul. Most of this work doesn’t come with applause–but it compounds. Now that I’m four years into my role in our local chamber, I rather enjoy receiving those opening questions, because I’ve come to realize that it’s not offensive. Instead, it’s an opportunity for a new relationship and conversation, opening the book about LaGrange County business and community. If there’s anything that cements itself within me more every single day, it’s this: a chamber of commerce is a business tool, not a transaction. It is a connector, not a club. When businesses join–and truly leverage their chamber investment–they engage with a realm of opportunity that can’t be accessed outside of membership. Listening is where it’s at. And may I always be persistent in listening first, and speaking second. Let that be a reminder for us all–strong communities don’t happen accidentally. This is your (not-so-quiet) invitation to engage with our local chamber. Don’t just pay a due; engage, lean in, and impact your business and your community. To learn more about the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce and becoming our newest member, call Sara at (260) 463-2443, or email info@lagrangechamber.org.

In my role at the Chamber, I get all sorts of fun questions. “Is this your full time job?” “What is a Chamber actually?” And the question I get the most and have to answer the most: “What does the Chamber actually do for businesses?” The truth is, when people hear the word Chamber, it is quickly associated with membership dues, business luncheons, or a logo on a sign. But in reality, many people in our community benefit from the Chamber’s work every day–whether they’ve ever attended an event or not. At its core, the Chamber exists to strengthen the local economy by bringing people together who might not otherwise sit at the same table. (For a recap on where this derives from, see last week’s column about our mission and vision.) Employers, educators, local leaders, and entrepreneurs are regularly connected through conversations that shape workforce readiness, business growth, and long-term community planning. The results of those conversations ripple outward–into job opportunities, business stability, and a stronger quality of life. If you’re like me and have kids at home, you’ve likely seen the impact through career awareness efforts and partnerships between schools and local employers. From career days in kindergarten to an all-day career expo connecting students to real job opportunities locally, these partnerships are vital to our collective future success. If you’re a consumer, the shops, services, and restaurants you rely on are stronger because local businesses aren’t navigating challenges alone, and are part of an interconnected marketplace of leaders who envision generational prosperity for years to come. Even if you’ve never walked through the doors of a Chamber event, its work often shows up in visible, practical ways throughout the community, including: Stronger local businesses , which means more stable jobs, better customer experiences, and fewer empty storefronts. Workforce connections between schools, employers, and training partners that help students and potential workforce understand career options and help businesses find talent. Leadership development and collaboration , ensuring community decisions are informed by people who live and work here. Support for small and family-owned businesses , many of which are the backbone of our local economy. Advocacy and alignment around issues that affect daily life, from workforce needs to infrastructure to quality of place. A stronger sense of local pride , created when businesses, organizations, and residents are rowing in the same direction. The Chamber works best when it is leveraged as a connector–not just as the host of a business name on a membership list. Its value shows up when people lean in, share ideas, ask questions, and help shape solutions that benefit the broader community. That participation doesn’t always look like a formal role. Sometimes, it’s simply showing up, offering perspective, or supporting the work being done behind the scenes. You don’t have to belong to the Chamber to live in the results of it. A health business community supports a health community overall–and the Chamber is one of the places where that work quietly, intentionally, and collectively happens. To learn more about the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce, head to our website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or flip through the BRAND NEW 2026 LaGrange County Chamber Member Services & Business Directory, included in this week’s newspaper. Our office is always a call away with any questions you may have: (260) 463-2443. Together, we can make a difference and elevate LaGrange County! 

Once upon a time, I graduated high school, went to college, ceased any competitive sport participation, and gained the “freshman 15.” I was fresh out of high school and with a newfound independence, eager to do whatever the heck I wanted to do. Unfortunately, I did not plan for the incredibly gratifying opportunities to ignore exercise and eat whatever I wanted. Once I reached college graduation, and subsequently, my wedding day and the start of my marriage, I realized it was time for me to “get back at it.” I wanted to get my body back in shape, shave a few pounds, and feel better physically. I tried a new regimen, with eager willingness to dive right in, only to find that after a week or two, I didn’t love it. Who knew that workout routines included early alarm clocks, smaller portions at the dinner table, and sore muscles?! (Obviously, I’m being sarcastic here.) My eagerness came into a drought, and I gave up. This was a process I found myself repeating two or three more times in the first 5-7 years of my marriage. A disapproval of the condition of my physicality, a desire to exercise and feel better, a fresh jumpstart, and then another failed attempt. But then I had my firstborn. I watched him grow, only to find a parallel growth of arthritic ache in my back and knees–leading to a decreased ability to play with and physically interact with my toddler. Equally, I recognized that my ability to assist with the care of my disabled brother was decreasing as well. I just wasn’t as physically capable as I used to be. That’s when the mindset shift came. I wanted to try the whole “exercise thing” one more time, but this time, the desire came with a newfound vision–to become healthy enough to play with my son, and care for my brother. I wanted to strengthen my back and gain in muscle mass in order to do those two things. It was no longer about weight, but about ability to relate and serve. I dug in, and found that–even when my muscles hurt so much I limped when I walked–I still got up when the alarm went off. I was continuing with my routine, and my muscles were strengthening. It felt good, and I felt alive! Five and a half years later, I am still at it, and feel energized when I get the chance to work out and challenge myself. I don’t share that story to stroke my ego or show off a win. Rather, I share that to say that vision and mission matter. When we can recognize and embrace our “why,” whether it be in life, business, community, or otherwise, it sets the trajectory for the future. The LaGrange County Chamber is chomping at the bit to kickstart a brand new year. This year, we’ve doubled down on our vision statement, because we believe in the future of our communities and of LaGrange County. Our vision is “To be a champion of generational prosperity in LaGrange County.” We wholeheartedly believe that the future of LaGrange County is being built today in how we relate to one another, how we build our businesses, and how we invest in our communities. Everything we do is aimed at that target, energized by the opportunity to make a difference for our collective tomorrow. As a vision statement is the sun setting on the horizon, so a mission statement is the train and tracks that disappear into its colorful glory. The mission is how we achieve our vision, and it drives everything we do. For us, our mission in 2026 has been refined after strategic planning with our leadership team. Now, it is “Fostering community connections. Driving business success.” As a hometown girl myself, the value of relational living is innately embedded in my being. Our county just gets this. A core value of our communities is intentionally knowing those we live with, work with, and enjoy life with. As your county Chamber of Commerce, we elevate this by fostering community connections in everything we do. It has to start there. And at the end of the day, our county won’t continue to grow if we don’t have a thriving business community. Our local marketplace and economy is everything, and its health is a make-or-break for our future. In everything we do, it is our goal to drive business success, giving them the tools, development opportunities, and resources they need to not just exist, but thrive. So this year, as you start a fresh calendar, we invite you to join us for a kickstart to your regimen. Grab your goal list off the shelf and blow off the dust. And, if you don’t have a list to pull off the shelf, now is the time to write them! Here are some quick tips: Identify your “why.” What gets you up in the morning, and what are your values? Put them into a single statement defining your purpose for life, work, and relationships. Then, create some goals. These should be categorized for yourself personally, for your family, for your workplace or business, and for your community, which are reflective of your why statement. Create a game plan. Put some attainable next steps in place. How will you work towards achieving your goal in the first month? In the first quarter? In the first year? This new year, commit yourself to “get back at it.” It’s time for a fresh vision and mission, for generational prosperity in LaGrange County. Happy New Year! 

We made it! It’s officially the last day of the year, and for us, it brings all the feels– a bittersweet cocktail of joy, eagerness, sadness that another year passed, and, well, exhaustion. The last day of the year is a pivotal moment for all of us to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one with anticipation and strategy. Of the triumphs and defeats, the highs and the lows, and everything in between that we encountered this past year, what will 2026 bring? As the calendar turns and we prepare to welcome a new year, this moment invites reflection. For us at the Chamber, it’s just not about what has passed, but about what has been built, strengthened, and set in motion for the future. For the LaGrange County Chamber, 2025 has been a year defined by connection, momentum, and purpose. Throughout the year, the Chamber served as a convener–bringing people together around ideas, opportunities, and shared goals. We hosted networking events that created meaningful business connections, professional development opportunities that equipped leaders and teams, workforce and education conversations that shaped long-term solutions, and community-facing events that welcomed residents into the work we do. Each event and program was designed not simply to check a box, but to create value–for business, for individuals, and for LaGrange County as a whole. That commitment to relevance and impact was recognized beyond our county this year. The Chamber was honored by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association with the Innovative Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, and named a finalist for the Indiana Chamber of the Year for the second year in a row. While awards are never the goal, they do matter–because they affirm that the work happening here is forward-thinking, effective, and worthy of being modeled across the state. Closer to home, we celebrated the people who make this community exceptional. Our annual Legacy Awards recognized individuals and businesses who are investing in something bigger than themselves–leaders who are shaping the future through service, innovation, and commitment. These moments matter because they remind us that progress is personal and that lasting impact is built by people who show up day after day. Behind the scenes, the Chamber also spent intentional time preparing for what comes next. Strategic planning conversations with our board and partners helped sharpen our focus, clarify priorities, and ensure that our efforts remain aligned with the evolving needs of our community. Looking ahead, our work will continue to center on workforce development, strong local commerce, and thoughtful advocacy–all while remaining nimble enough to respond to new opportunities and challenges. If there is one takeaway from this year, it is this: the Chamber is not a building, a logo, or a membership list. It is a tool, and one that belongs to the entire community. It is a mechanism to be leveraged for growth and sustainability across all of our communities. That is why this is an important time to talk about membership. Did you know that, while many people associate the Chamber strictly with business, individuals can also join? Individual membership is a way to invest in the future of LaGrange County, to support community-building efforts, and to be part of something that creates real, visible impact. You do not have to own a business to believe in strong leadership, a prepared workforce, and a thriving local economy. To learn more about Chamber membership, simply visit our website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or give our office a call at (260) 463-2443. (We’ll be back in the office starting Monday, January 5.) As we step into the new year, many of us will set goals or resolutions–personally and professionally. This is a season of looking ahead, of asking what matters most and how we want to show up in the months to come. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be writing more about vision, purpose, and the power of knowing your “why.” For now, I’ll simply say this: progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose to engage, invest, and believe in what is possible. Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this year meaningful. The work continues–and the best is still ahead. Happy New Year! 

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, for so many reasons. I get two weeks' worth of extra time with my kids when school is out. I get extra time with my husband as we’re both intentionally home and away from work. We get to see family we haven’t seen in a while with plenty of game nights and sleepovers. We get to see the expressions on our kids’ faces on Christmas morning. We get to celebrate the reason for the season with family, friends, and neighbors in meaningful ways. We get to have Christmas movie-marathons. We get to experience sights, sounds, and smells that only come once a year. (Thank a Christmas cookie for the extra five pounds around the waistline.) It’s beautiful, magical, and surreal. Last week, I was on my way back from a work day in Indianapolis and stopped in Fort Wayne for a short grocery stop. I almost ran my cart into another as I came around the corner, and instead of a disgusted look or avoiding eye contact, I got an apology and a “Merry Christmas,” as the driver continued on his way. It caught me in my tracks. What made that interaction different (and quite frankly, much more manageable) than so many other “normal” grocery store interactions? There was a little more joy in the air than usual. People seemed genuinely willing to find the good in their day, allowing for little to no room for negativity or complaints. Could it be because of the season? One of my favorite Christmas movies to watch every year stars an infamous grown man in a large elf suit, who leaves the North Pole to head to New York City in search of his long-lost father. In the process, the naive man-made-elf experiences the less-than-joyful world, completely opposite of his usual spirited home with Santa Claus. In his full naivete and perhaps complete disregard for the perceptions of others, he very proudly and loudly yells, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” (I bet if you know which movie I’m talking about, you heard his voice while you read that.) As I pause to reflect on the year we’ve had, the things we’ve seen, and the opportunities we’ve experienced, I can’t help but be grateful for those who have “sung loud for all to hear.” They are the joy-givers who have done the daily work to make a difference: the individuals who roll up their sleeves for no pay and no recognition, only to advance the mission of a local non-profit organization; the ones who care for our children; the cooks who prepare our food at the local grills; the young person who bag our groceries; or, the individual who offers a kind smile and a “Merry Christmas” after bumping carts. They’ve delivered their boisterous chorus through their actions and have built a hometown that sings loud for all to hear. This Christmas season, as we end the year and celebrate what’s gotten us here, let’s take a moment to remember the joy-givers and challenge ourselves to be one. How can you give kindness as you head into 2026? Here are a few humble suggestions: Offer a smile. The best smiles are unexpected. They offer a glimpse of good in the world. When something goes wrong, pause and challenge yourself to offer a smile instead of a snide remark or a dirty look. Imagine how it could change your world and the community around you. Always assume the best intentions. My friend Renea offered this gem at one of our events this year, as it related to employees and culture, but boy, does it resonate in everyday life too. Be courageous in assuming the best intentions, and watch how your posture towards others begins to change. Give a little extra. Let’s be real. We’re closing out our books and finishing out the year as we prepare for another tax season. How could your business find deeper generosity during this season to better the community around you? (Here’s your clue: head to our website or grab one of our directories to find the MANY non-profit organizations doing the work to better our county every single day.) Give the gift of time. This is a convincing reminder! This is the time to slow down, and give the gift of yourself–put down the work, take some time to intentionally rest (that means ACTUALLY rest), and invest your time in others. Relationships with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and peers are an investment that will reap a mighty lifelong harvest. Embrace and enjoy your circle. One of the best pieces of advice I received on my wedding day is something I carry throughout my life: “Take several moments throughout the day to just stop, look around, and listen. Take some mental photographs, because the day will be so fast, and you’ll miss the moments that matter.” This Christmas season, take some time to look around and identify what makes your world go ‘round. Is it the people? The places? The traditions? The businesses? The community? Take an extra moment for mental photos, and embrace what brings you joy. So, as we close out this Small Business Season, I challenge you to be a joy-giver and a joy-singer. The best way to spread Christmas spirit is to do it loudly, so that all can hear. It makes a difference, and it’s what makes LaGrange County special. Merry Christmas from the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce! May your celebrations be joy-filled with many moments to remember.

“I think you need new tires.” I had heard it said to me at least two or three times at that point. As I sighed inwardly, I thought to myself, “You know, I should probably get that tire replacement scheduled.” You see, in my marriage, my husband typically takes care of the repair and maintenance-type things: changing the oil in the vehicles, fixing household appliances that break, identifying the cause of a malfunction, you get the picture. This also entirely includes the state of my tires. We purchased a new-to-me vehicle last year to replace my old Acadia, and while I love it, I must confess: I do not pay attention to the repair-and-maintenance-type things. Fortunately for me, I usually assume they’re fine, until my husband tells me it’s time for a fix. (God bless him. He keeps me in line.) In this particular scenario, he had made a few phone calls to identify the type and size of tires I needed, and got the prices from several auto shops. He instructed me on the best price and how I should schedule that appointment, but he wouldn’t have dared to try to figure out a time that would fit in my schedule. (Because let’s be honest, it probably wouldn’t have ended well for either of us if he did.) He handed me the scrap piece of paper with his notes, and told me I needed to make the appointment before the first snow. Lo and behold, the first snow came, and my tires weren’t replaced. Oh no! I dialed the number to the shop he gave me, and they got me in the next day with squeaky new tires (that are impressive in the snow, I must say). Very quickly and efficiently, they sent me on my way. After my prolonged attention to the problem, I was patched up and ready to go in two-day’s time. It was a very real reminder that these vital services and those who carry them out are the ones who make the world go ‘round in our local community and economy. When a problem arises–tires need replacing, a furnace goes out, or an electrical short causes a blackout–these ready-to-roll service men and women are eager to support our people, our homes, and our businesses, ensuring we are up and running in no time. If you’ve read this column for any length of time now, you know that I talk a lot about Small Business Season–the time of year where we focus on those non-box stores that make our local economy flourish. The Season is commemorated in November and December, with an urgency to turn our attention away from quick, online convenience to those known individuals who open their shop doors to us for the products and services we need–locally. Just like my bald tires, this week’s column will serve as a real reminder about the unsung heroes who make the world–and my tires!–go round. You know who I’m talking about. It’s the auto shops, the gas stations, the contractors, the hair salons, the tech services, the HVAC businesses, and the electricians–the businesses that keep our daily life running. They’re so often overlooked when people think “shop local,” but they employ residents and keep our community functioning. Consider this: when your truck breaks down or your electrical system needs repairing, Amazon can’t help–but your neighbor can. So, this Small Business Season, the challenge is simple: consider planning 2026 maintenance by scheduling with your local providers. Need your oil changed? Call your local mechanic or schedule an appointment online. Need your hair cut? (This Rapunzel does!) Get on the books of your favorite local stylist. Need your furnace serviced before the brutal cold of January settles in? Get it scheduled today with no more worrying. (This is your friendly reminder to pick up a copy of the Chamber’s Business Directory or head to our website to see a full list of local providers!) Small Business Season is all about keeping our dollars local, supporting not just our neighbors but sustaining the local economy, public services, education, and amenities of our very own LaGrange County. Shop local this Small Business Season, and shop LaGrange County. Merry Christmas! 

My mind has always been piqued by the unique processes that happen in the brain. Why do people decide what they do, and how do they reach that conclusion? How do some people relate to a certain thing or activity in a certain way? And, why? In my undergraduate studies, I very happily took a Minor in psychology, and I went on my merry way into courses like Abnormal Psychology, Sociology, and Interpersonal Communication. It was–in the most nerdy way I can say this–riveting and educational. So many components of my coursework apply to my everyday life–both personally and professionally. Even more so, as we commemorate Small Business Season and focus on the value of shopping local, the trickle down of psychological workings applies. This month, you could very easily grow tired of how much I talk about shopping local. But, how we shop local looks very different, depending on our generation (another facet of psychology I love to delve into). Allow me to divulge my nerdy findings: understanding these generational differences can help us better support our hometown differences–and help our small business owners meet changing expectations. Let’s take a quick look at how the generations are interacting with local shopping habits. Gen Z (ages ~18-27) Shop online more than any other generation. Online purchases are growing nearly twice as fast as other age groups. Willing to support small businesses, but they expect convenience. 73% of Gen Z say they would shop small more often if the experience was as easy as shopping large chains. Gen Z is also the most supportive of diverse ownership: 29% support women-owned businesses, and 27% support minority-owned businesses. Millennials (ages ~28-43) Convenience is key. 50% say they’d rather drive less if alternative ways to shop were available. 75% of Millennials would shop small more often if it felt as easy and streamlined as large retailers. 60% say they actively try to patronize small businesses, especially online. Gen X & Boomers (ages 45+) They still make up 56% of all in-person shoppers at small businesses. Millennials and Gen X are leading the way when it comes to online support–45% are willing to shop local online. Personal relationships and familiarity still matter the most to this group. So what does this mean on the local frontier? It’s quite simple, yet entirely complex: Small Business Season isn’t one-size-fits-all–and our strategies shouldn’t be either. Every generation has buying power, but they use it differently. That’s an advantage if we know how to tap into it. If you’re reading this as a small business owner or employee of a local establishment, consider these quick and easy tips to implement and improve the local commerce experience this Small Business Season: Think convenience. Offer clear hours, easy contact info on all of your material (online and otherwise), consider providing online ordering, or offer pre-order and pickup options. Be visible online. Especially within the retail sector, the world wide web is your business’s front door. Millennials and Gen X are willing to support local businesses online–if they can find them. Tell your story! Gen Z values mission and identity. Highlight women-owned, family-owned, minority-owned, or longtime local roots. Give options: Curbside pickup, pre-orders, call-ahead, gift bundles, mobile payment links–these help bridge the gap between generations. And if you’re reading this as a local consumer, ready to fulfill your Christmas shopping season, consider these easy and applicable tricks to support local this Small Business Season: For Gen Z & Millennials: Explore small businesses online–social media, websites, and mobile ordering are growing fast locally. Before you head out or pull up your Amazon app, check out the local scene online. Gen X & Boomers: Introduce a young shopper to your favorite local store, and share with them the value of knowing the owner and his/her team. Shop with a friend or family member and make it an experience. Embrace the things you love about shopping local, and bring others along with you. Everyone (yes, everyone!): Commit to spending your first $20 locally before shopping online or at national chains. We can all do it, and imagine the transformation it will do to our local economy! This Small Business Season, we don’t just need one way to shop local–we need many ways. When small businesses meet people where they are, every generation can have a seat at the table, and that’s how local prosperity multiples. Let’s shop smart, shop creatively, and shop hometown-first this season. Happy shopping!

Happy Turkey Week! As you prepare to put on your stretchy pants and gobble down some roasted turkey (pun totally intended), first lean in to some quality considerations at the beginning of Black Friday deals and festivities.  I will continue to beat my Small Business Season drum to share the value around keeping our dollars local, especially during the holidays. 2025 is no different, and the opportunities to shop local continue to grow here in LaGrange County. More small businesses opened their doors in 2025, giving us even more chances to shop for loved ones and give the perfect gift on Christmas morning. As we commemorate all that makes Small Business Season special, and as we prep our budgets for Black Friday deals stacked as high as the Eiffel Tower, allow me to introduce you to my friend Tobi Oxenrider, Director of the Shipshewana Retail Merchants Association, as well as a small business owner in Shipshewana. Recently, she was aired on our latest Chamber Chat Podcast episode to share all about what it means to shop local this Christmas season. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation. Chamber: Let’s talk about Small Business Season. When I took this role at the Chamber, I didn’t fully understand what it means to shop local. It was and is so easy to shop on Amazon–one click, and it’s done. But when we start really understanding what it means when we spend our dollars outside of our community, it’s a much bigger picture. When we talk about the impact our tax dollars have when we keep them local–and what that means for our public safety, for public health, for education, for infrastructure, all those things–it’s much bigger than just supporting a business. I’d love for you to talk about that as a local business owner and the SRMA director, and about the local shopping scene here in Shipshewana. Tell us why the Small Business Season is so important, especially within the retail scene here in Shipshewana. Tobi Oxenrider: Yeah, it’s about taking the time to see that, sure, you’re not going to find an XBox here, or the next iPhone, but if you’re looking for baby clothes, socks, a book, food, furniture, whatever it is…There’s a beauty that comes when you take the time to walk through somebody’s shop who took the time to build this business, stock the shelves, their heart and soul that goes into that…When you walk into that, you see something there that connects you to your community. You see something on Amazon that is quick and easy, it doesn’t connect you to your community. Here, you can see products, touch them, and connect with the business owner who I see at the grocery store or church or wherever–those products I can buy locally are supporting their family. I think we just need to take the time to think about the balance that comes with supporting who we see in our community. When you shop small, it not only does something for the shops, it also feels so good when you have something purchased in your store. I mean, sure, did I save $2 or spend more than $5? Sure. But at Christmas, I mean, the impact you can make on not just that person, but also yourself and your community just feels awesome when you take the time to do it. C: I think one of the unveiling moments for me was when I continued learning about tax implications when considering shopping local versus big box stores. I came in with this perspective that if I buy from a big box store, I could get a good deal and save $5 or $10 on the same product I could find at a small local retailer that maybe adds an additional $5 or $10 on top of that product cost. But when we consider spending something that is a few dollars less in a big box store instead of local to save the extra dollars, we’re also sending some of our dollars away from our community. And so not only does it impact the local business where they’re losing money to large competitors, we’re also losing tax revenue that supports local government and infrastructure and road updates. If we don’t want to have rough roads, shop local. If we want to have good education systems, shop local. If we want to have great public safety and a police and fire department that is able to withstand our population, shop local. All of these things have a snowball effect. And when we don’t support local businesses, businesses close down and then our towns start to look a little shabby because of empty storefronts. There’s so much that goes into shopping local, and if we can collectively get to a place where we can shift our mindset, it’s not just one thing we’re doing (i.e., saving money), it’s so much bigger. Let’s talk about Wana Night Out. Last year, my husband and I went for the first time. We walked into one of the stores in Shipshewana because they had a discount they were offering. We walked in and I thought, what in the world! It drew me into a store I had never been in before, and I was amazed–the inventory that was available to me because I stepped foot in this store was unreal. There were shoes, boots, clothing items, toys, books for my kids. I got a bunch of Christmas gifts for my family that night, because it was kind of like a Black Friday in Shipshewana. It was equally really neat because I was shopping alongside neighbors and people I know locally too. Share a little bit about Wana Night Out and why that night is special. TO: It’s been going on for many years, and for many local people, it’s their favorite event. For the locals, it’s their opportunity to get in the shops that are here and some of their favorite places to go and have that experience with their neighbors. You get to see people you don’t always get to see, and it’s just so cool to see the local people out shopping. C: If you have never been, you have to experience it at least once. You get to go into store you don’t always get to go in during the work week. Hours are extended, and there is something for everyone! TO: There really is, and I think people forget that. You may not get everything under one roof, but you are going to have such a nice evening out, getting in your community, and supporting your neighbors. To hear the full episode from our latest Chamber Chat Podcast conversation, head to our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. And this weekend, after your tummy is full of good eats, head out to your local retailers and remember to shop local. Our community is counting on it!

A little over a week ago, I had the annual privilege of joining my family in attending the Shipshewana Light Parade and Lighting Ceremony. It was a beautiful sight! Floats, trucks, and people (believe it or not!) decked out in Christmas lights of every color, marching with holiday cheer plastered all over their faces. After Santa and Mrs. Clause close out the parade each year, we follow close behind and walk into downtown Shipshewana to join a crowd of literally thousands of people, singing Christmas carols, listening to the Christmas story, and ending with a countdown turning on all of the lights of the quaint town. It’s quite a celebration, and it ends with people dancing in the streets to upbeat Christmas tunes, turning the hearts of people into the holiday spirit.  This event–for me–kicks off the season. It commemorates the joy that is easily felt as we enter into Thanksgiving and Christmas, where families come together, gifts are shared, and fellowship is rich and inviting. As the Chamber of Commerce, it equally kicks off another season–Small Business Season. While we love to celebrate our small businesses and the local commerce opportunities galore around year-long, this holiday season allows us the chance to really hone in on why it’s important to shop local. When Amazon Prime came into existence, I was one of the first to hop on the bandwagon. I remember the anticipation of clicking a button on my phone only to get exactly what I ordered (which can be just about anything) delivered right to my doorstep. How convenient! But not until I took this role did I really comprehend the negative impact that has on my own community. By shopping entirely online and with big box stores, I was sending my sales tax dollars out of state. I was removing any kind of relational shopping from my Christmas experience. I was forgetting about what it means to support local and support neighbors–those people I see, know, and love. Shopping local this holiday season is about so many things. Consider these statistics: $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in the community. Small businesses donate more 250% more to local causes that impact our own LaGrange County people. Nearly half of workers are employed by a small business. Communities with thriving small businesses see stronger job creation and resilience. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: “When you shop local, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re fueling jobs, supporting dreams, and keeping more money in our community.” Consider this cycle: You take an extra $20 to tip your waiter at the local joint. That waiter then goes down the street or to the next town over to get his hair cut. The barber of your waiter then takes his income to grab a coffee at the next door coffee shop. Then, in turn, the coffee shop–being a community-focused small business–donates to youth sports uniforms, not only empowering families but also supporting the next generation of LaGrange County. It’s not calculus. It’s simple local support. Imagine what can happen when we all buy in to this small business season movement! Here are a few practical ways to get involved this holiday season: Everyone has practical needs throughout the year. Stuff your family’s stockings with gift cards from the local mechanic, barber, grocery store, or gas station! Have a sweet tooth in your family? Snag some homemade goodies at the local chocolate stores, coffee shops, and grocery stores. (Bonus points if you purchase goods that are made in LaGrange County!) Hosting a family gathering but tired of cooking? Let a local establishment help! From one-person options to full-scale meals with all the fixings, it’s available here! Tired of the materialistic gifting process each year? Gift an experience with your family! From family photo sessions to hands-on animal experiences, from a carousel ride to live shows, you can gift it all! Here are a few things to remember as we officially launch Small Business Season: Wana Night Out, LaGrange County’s holiday shopping treasure: Happening on Tuesday, December 2, head over to Shipshewana to shop local deals and discounts. (Hint: Last year, my husband and I nearly completed our entire Christmas shopping in Shipshewana on this one day!) Learn more at www.visitshipshewana.org. Shop Local & Win! New this year, submit your receipts on any $25+ purchase made in LaGrange County for a chance to win prizes this holiday season! You’ll receive bonus entries when you shop at a Chamber member’s business! Learn more and submit your receipts by visiting www.lagrangecounty.org/shoplocal. It’s not hard, but it does take all of us. Don’t forget to shop local this holiday season!