Bryant Chamber urges continued support for local business

With the pandemic still in full swing, the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the community to support local businesses to help keep the economy strong.

Jason Brown, president and CEO of the Chamber, said that small businesses are hurting. He explained many had expected 2020 to be a big year for them.

“That wasn’t the case,” he said. He added this pandemic has gone on much longer than people ever expected it would.

Brown encourages people in the community to shop local before they look anywhere else or go online for purchases.

Event Coordinator Anna Brimhall said Christmas may be over, but Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Local shops offer unique items for gifts and Saline County has several great restaurant options for a special dinner.

Brown said local businesses need local support to thrive. In turn, they spend their money in the community also which further supports the community. With local business he said shoppers are supporting people right in their own community, people whose children go to the local school.

Brown believes businesses have a positive outlook going forward.

He knows businesses have been affected differently, some drastically and some not as much. He believes as a whole, Saline County has been blessed.

Brown said businesses are looking and see an end in sight.

The Chamber works to support local businesses by putting their name out and sharing about them, such as through the

Saline County Eats and Saline County Shops Facebook pages.

They continue to hold ribbon cuttings, while following all safety guidelines.

Over the course of the pandemic, the Chamber has done special promotions for local businesses, such as holding drawings for gift cards. People entered the drawings by turning in receipts from local businesses.

They also held a Christmas tree contest. People voted on social media for their favorite Christmas tree and the winner is getting a two week billboard ad.

“We are trying to think outside the box,” Brimhall said.

The Chamber plans to continue its promotions.

They are hoping things will soon be able to open back up.

One way people can support their local businesses is through liking and sharing their pages and posts on social media, Brimhall said.

She also suggested leaving Google and Facebook reviews. She said it only takes a few minutes.

The Chamber encourages the community to do what they can to support small businesses and help them thrive.