The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Local business owners hold rally
Event gives residents, local companies chance to connect
The first Independent and Locally Owned Business Rally took place in Chardon on Aug. 24, giving residents and local companies the chance to connect.
Activities were held at the Maple Leaf Plaza, where local businesses set up booths. Visitors could talk with professionals and listen to live music, as well as enjoy food and kids’ activities.
Several businesses that attended the event were based in Chardon.
“Local business is a main backbone to local economies,” said Stacia Clawson, executive director of the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce.
As far as the importance of local businesses, Clawson said that they help sustain the community.
“They generally support other small businesses by using local goods and hiring locally which benefits the community as a whole,” Clawson said.
“This also means that there is more local tax money which helps improves schools and other local services. Also, unlike a large number of the bigger box stores, small
businesses are more likely to turn their profits back into the community and support local causes.”
Owner of The Party Loft, Tami Eggleston, had developed the idea for the rally. Before the event took place, she stated that she expected about 25 exhibitors and additional independents to show up on the day of the rally.
“This event is a grassroots effort aimed at educating the public on what it means to be an (independent and locally owned) company,” Eggleston said, mentioning that a friend of hers had recently closed her business in Chardon.
“We want people to know that we have invested our funds our time and sacrificed even our own relationships to be here in this community,” Eggleston added. “We, through our property taxes, pay for the operation of it.”
Ashley Price, board member of Chardon’s Love Fest, attended the rally to represent Love Fest. Price coordinates vending for the nonprofit organization.
“I’m here because I really care about what we do,” she said. “We spend a lot of time throughout the year getting together bands that are local and other artists who create things.” She added that she herself makes jewelry, which was on display and for sale at the booth.
“We bring in other people that do other things,” Price said, “just promoting small businesses and local talent.”
The Independent and Locally Owned Business Rally was expected to continue into the evening. A dance party for the community was scheduled around 4 to 5 p.m.
“I hope that this will be an annual event,” Eggleston said in an email exchange, “since we must keep reminding the public why it is important.”