This past Saturday, November 25, 2023, Fallon celebrated its community spirit in a bit of a different way – through Small Business Saturday. As the day unfolded, it became evident that Fallon residents are dedicated to supporting our small business community.
Initially launched by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has been cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. Locally spearheaded by the Fallon Chamber of Commerce and CEDA (Churchill Entrepreneur Development Association), the Saturday after Thanksgiving has evolved into an annual shopping event that not only fosters the local economy but showcases the many small enterprises that help Fallon unique.
Unfortunately, not all businesses survived the Covid shutdowns. But for those who did, the importance of patronizing local merchants has never been more apparent. Merchants were met with a surge of support from shoppers. If you happened to be out and about, you likely picked up on something beyond the holiday spirit – one of celebration and resilience. Fallon is back in business.
The impact of this day extends beyond the dollars that changed hands and the end-of-the-day tally. It also gives residents a closer look into the unique character of our small town. The Twisted Branch, owned by Megan Dolan, hosted several local artisans and small craft vendors to showcase their wares. Unique holiday items were on display from Envious Design by Ashley Robertson’s, and small-batch honey botanical vinegar shrubs, teas, and jellies were on hand from Stacy Fisk, with Fisk Farm Herbs, along with many others. Dolan also offered a “sip and shop” allowing customers to enjoy craft cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic delights while perusing the items on display. The Twisted Branch, like several other participating businesses, proved to be not just a place to shop, but a space where community could be celebrated and enjoyed.
According to Fallon Chamber of Commerce Director Lucy Carnahan, they worked with 23 participating businesses on what their specials were going to be so they could be advertised on social media. “When the bags arrive from American Express, we pack those with game pieces, merchant coupons and a list of the retailers with their specials for the day and addresses and hours,” said Carnahan. This year they had assistance packing the bags from Chamber, CEDA Team Hansen, and The Fallon Post. “We had an amazing turnout and packed over 100 bags and were out of them by 9:30.” Also assisting was the Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, and Carnahan’s goddaughter, Aspen Swanger.
The Old Post Office served as home base for the Chamber, which started shoppers off with hot coffee at the welcome booth. They also hosted a variety of craft vendors and home-based business owners with their goods and wares from Life’s Little Treats, Alta Dawn, Color Street, Wimberly’s Creations Black Cat Ceramics, Mary Kay, Sugar & Spice Sweet Treats, and Tipsy Tumbleweed. There was something for virtually everyone. Adding to the festivities of the day, the chamber offered Business Bingo and Gerka in Business games with eight prize baskets in store for the winners.
“Shoppers went out into our wonderful community to shop at our local retailers, “Carnahan said, who was excited and grateful for the turnout, “I would like to personally thank all of those involved in this, especially our businesses that gave gifts for participants to win.”
On an economic level, Small Business Saturday emphasizes the significance of keeping local dollars within our community. The benefits over time of local dollars staying within the community are exponential. Some of them include the creation of more local jobs, increased local tax revenue, and what is known as the Economic Multiplier Effect. In essence, when a dollar is exchanged locally, it doesn't just stop at the business where it is spent; it continues to circulate. For instance, a local business owner, upon receiving that dollar, may spend it on local goods and services or to pay local employees. This, in turn, leads to further spending, creating a cycle that stimulates and increases the economic impact.
The Cranberry Cottage boutique also participated in Small Business Saturday. Owners Pam Yost and Misty Warren were thrilled to have a packed house at their new 143 S. Maine Street location and will be investing a great deal of the revenue earned back into the local economy.
Several shoppers said it was busy everywhere they went. Memorie Boutique had wall-to-wall customers, Louie’s Ace Hardware was bustling from open to close, and local restaurants and coffee shops also enjoyed a busy day. It was evident throughout the day that Fallon came out to support local small businesses. Small Business Saturday is not just a date on the calendar. In the wake of Covid, it is nothing less than a tribute to the strength of our community and a reminder of the positive impact each local purchase can have.
To all the shoppers who explored the many offerings of our local merchants and to the businesses that opened their doors with smiles and warmth, thank you for making this Small Business Saturday a resounding success.
Let us continue the spirit of community support throughout the holiday season and help our local businesses not just survive but thrive.
For online only
Chamber Contest Winners:
For Business Bingo-
C.L. Quillen
Paulette Jacobson
Teri Buchanan
Jennifer Sanches
For the Gurka in Business-
Dina Hepworth
Josh JC
Shirley Miller
Cindy Guzman
Participating Businesses:
Babs Beauty & Boutique
Bassham Furniture
Big Mike’s Gun and Ammo
Bottle and Brie
Churchill County Museum
Cranberry Cottage
City of Fallon
Fallon Auto Mall
His Inspirations
JK Llams
Just Country Friends
Kent’s Supply
Lori Crook – Mary Kay
Let Us Charm You
Louie’s Home Center
Bobbie Nastro
Shanty Yoga?
No Filter Fitness
Telegraph Coffee & Tap
The Fallon Post
The Scooby Shack
The Twisted Branch
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