Tuesday, 25, 2014 The Pantagraph

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014 2 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Local Shopping Challenge et’s cut to the chase. By now you’ve heard the statistics. LAlmost $75 of every $100 you spend locally stays in your community. Local businesses employ millions of people across the country.

Local entrepreneurs spend Encourage your friends to do your present to be more exponentially more money on the same and you could be mak- meaningful? A gift card to community programs their their ing a monumental difference in a local specialty shop or larger counterparts. your community. If 10 of you boutique will ensue that your All impressive, indeed. So then spend $300 on local gifts this gift card is spent on exactly why are millions of Americans year, about $2,250 of that $3,000 what it is intended to – a driving away or logging on to would be pumped right back into gift. their computers for their your local community. Try to personalize each shopping this holiday Comparably, your community gift card by choosing a season? Some cite convenience will see $0 of your online spend- local business that has or busy schedules without realiz- ing at retail giants. special meaning to the ing just how much impact they recipient, or maybe one can have on their local Buy aLL GiftS that you have shopped at community by spending a few CardS LOCaLLy before with that person. dollars locally. Gift cards are becoming an GREAT Buy EvEry OthEr increasingly massive portion of SALES! holiday spending. More than 80 PrOduCt LOCaLLy percent of holiday shoppers will Breaking the habit can be buy at least one. More than $28 tough, so start small. Challenge billion will be shelled out on gift yourself to buy one locally sold cards this year, according to the 2 dAyS 2 SAvE product for every other gift you National Retail Federation. and Saturday purchase. And try to make the Many people will spend their Clothing and Home Decor prices comparable so about half gift cards on food or everyday 902 IAA Dr. Ste. #3 (Behind Lonestar) • 309-808-4339 of your total holiday budget is items if you buy them for tradi- Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri - 10-6 • Thur 10-7 • Sat. 9-3 • Sun. - closed spent locally. tional retailers. Don’t you want Like us on Facebook Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph 3 Not just for the Holiday Season ure, Christmas is a great time to shower your loved ones with locally Sbought gifts. But what about the other major holidays throughout the year?

Extend your yuletide joy to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries for maximum impact on your local community and business owners. Your effort in doing so may make more of a difference than you realize. A recent collaborative study by the Small Business Administration, United States Department of Labor and other major organizations found that small businesses employ about 77 million Americans and account for 65 percent of all new jobs over the past 17 years. So by spending your money locally, you are helping keep your friends and neighbors employed during the holiday season and beyond! Here are some of the other notable findings from the study: • Eighty-nine percent of consumers agree that independent busi- nesses contribute positively to local economies. 12 Days of Christmas Deals • Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50 percent more in home values Starts Saturday, Nov. 29th than their citywide markets. 40% off one New Item every Day! • Independent retailers return more than three times as much GREAT money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent res- ToDay’S Deal: SALES! $54.95 taurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of 40% oFF $32.97 sales than national restaurant chains. PoWeR ClIX 40 Pc. • If independent businesses regained their 1990 market shares, it Magnetic Building Set would create 200,000 new small businesses, generate nearly $300 bil- 2 dAyS 2 SAvE lion in revenues and employ more than 1.6 million American workers. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday • If just half of the United States employed population spent $50 12 Days of Christmas Deals will be Clothing and Home Decor each month at locally owned independent businesses, it would gener- announced daily on our Facebook page ate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. 902 IAA Dr. Ste. #3 (Behind Lonestar) • 309-808-4339 For A Free Gift Like Us On Facebook Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri - 10-6 • Thur 10-7 • Sat. 9-3 • Sun. - closed • For every square foot a local firm occupies, the local economy 1224Towanda Plaza • Bloomington Like us on Facebook gains $179, vs. $105 for a chain store. 309-827-5555 • www.theschoolshopstore.com 4 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph

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DECEMBER SUN. DEC 14 SUN. DEC 21 DATES 12-3 PM 12-3 PM VISIT UPTOWNNORMAL.COM SAT. DEC 6 MON. DEC 15 MON. DEC 22 1-5 PM 4-8 PM 12-4 PM FOR DETAILS AND SCHEDULE UPDATES SUN. DEC 7 THUR. DEC 18 TUE. DEC 23 Ask 12-3 PM 4-8 PM 12-4 PM about our FRI. DEC 12 FRI. DEC 19 AND Catering 12-4 PM 1-5 PM 4-8 PM downtown bloomington | uptown normal SAT. DEC 13 SAT. DEC 20 WED. DEC 24 12-4 PM 12-4 PM 12-2PM 102 W. North Street, Uptown • (309) 808-4504

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20% Off All Day Saturday Check us out on Facebook 114 North St, Normal • 452-7999 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph 5 Warm Up With A Coffee Break Beyond Normal, LLC personally invites you to Between Your Holiday Shopping! Shop Small on November 29th! We offer unique gifts and festive Holiday home decor! Featuring Starbucks Coffee! Buy 1 get 1 item BEY OND NORMALLLC SIMPLY CHARMING

1/2*Of equal or lesoffser value Located Inside The Marriott 112 E Beaufort St • Normal, IL 61761 • (309) 451-1473 Only On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29th Tues.-Sat. 10 to 6, Sun. 12 to 5, Mon. Closed Preview Our Christmas Flavors... “The Guitar Specialists” • Eggnog • Gingergread • Peppermint Choose from a great selection of Guitars, Amplifiers and Accessories. Give the gift of guitar lessons by professional musicians this holiday season!

129 E. Beaufort St., Ask about GUITAR Normal, Illinois our Catering (309) 452-6412 www.guitarworld.com 102 W. North Street, Uptown • (309) 808-4504 WORLD Receive a $20 Wild Country Adventures Small BuSineSS Buck When you Spend More Than $99 Saturday On Small Business Saturday Superuper Sale!Sale!

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www.wildcountry4fun.com open 10am to 5pm all day 206 S. Linden, nL • 454-1541 • www.viteSSecycLe.com • www.oftenrunning.com 6 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Better Deals Found Locally hopping for a great deal? Ditch the keyboard for your car and head on down to your favorite local business. SShopping locally, you tend to buy just what you need. This helps cut down on the rippLe eFFect long run. But this doesn’t mean extra purchases and additional they aren’t in the business of giv- Small-business owners have a “stuff” you don’t really have a use ing deals. tendency to buy for. Keeping local owners in busi- Many independent retailers pro- supplies locally and use local ness also fosters a competitive vide discounts to those who live services for their business entrepreneurial environment that nearby, helping needs. When an independent will improve quality in the long you save money instead business owner needs a vehicle run, decrease costs and rejuve- of paying more in tourist taxes maintained or a haircut, he or nate our precious downtowns. that some out-of-town well. Ask your local owners if she is more likely to spend establishments may they are willing to match deals money on local services, accord- charge. you find at other businesses. ing to The American Small Some local businesses boast Their answer may surprise you – Growth For ALL Business Coalition. As local businesses grow, so price-matching programs, as and help you save money. This means your money actu- does their ability to create more ally touches many of the local products and improve their ser- businesses in your area one by Small Business Saturday Special vice, all at less expense to the one, helping enhance your econ- consumer. This can mean growth omy for years to come. Christmas Artificials Off for the business, as well as for 20% your wallet. Daily In Store Specials Through Christmas In many cases, you can find DeALs, DeALs, the same product at your local Flowers for your home store for the same price as the DeALs and business needs big box, saving you time and Local shops are focused 309-829-1001 money. less on the mega deals that 1208 N. Towanda Ave actually can cost you more in the Bloomington, IL 61701

Shop at Lake’s on Keep the cold out this winter by replacing or adding Small Business Saturday! weather seals to the largest opening in your home! Locally Owned and Operated! Winterizing Special Garden and Nature Gifts! • Garage Door and Opener Tune-Up • Door Lube, Tightening & Tensioning $ We Bring Life to your Backyard! • Weather Seal Assesment 60 Plenty of Unique Stocking Stuffers! MIDSTATE OVERHEAD DOORS, INC. FREE Gift with every purchase Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Loading Dock on Friday and Saturday! SALES - PARTS - SERVICE - INSTALLATION Located at the corner of Morrissey and Hamilton Road 24 Hour Emergency Service 1721 East Hamilton Road in Bloomington 309-661-2203 703 E. Lincoln, Unit 1, Bloomington Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 9-5 and Sun 12-4 309-820-1994 • 800-420-4800 www.midstateohd.com Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph 7 the ‘already-has-everything’ recipient e all know them. We may even be one. Shopping for some people is just plain difficult. They either have one of W everything or don’t seem to want anything in particular. “I already have everything I tion, but he or she may be able to surprised and excited by the Well, browse need” or “Don’t feel like you rediscover a hobby they haven’t chance to experience a live the aisles of your local hardware need to get me anything” are had time for lately. Dance, cook- show, so look for ways to treat store and you will be common responses from them. ing or art classes could be a them with events, not just in luck. The simple solution to pleas- romantic idea for your special “things.” Quality-built tool kits or do-it- ing these friends and family someone. yourself woodworking sets will members is to find a gift card to have your handy friend or family one of their favorite local stores. event experiences handyman (and member ready for the fixer-upper But if you’re looking for a more season. Practical gifts like snow well. Ask your local owners if Tickets to a concert, sporting woman) Gifts unique approach for that blowers, scarves or waterproof they are willing to match deals event or movie offer a once-in- What if you could find a hard-to-please recipient, boots could be put to great use you find at other businesses. a-lifetime experience that will gift that will provide years you should be able to find a while they anxiously wait for Their answer may surprise you – live on forever. of enjoyment, as well as a fixed special gift downtown. spring to come around. and help you save money. Maybe your wife’s favorite sink or door? Double-win, right? band is coming to your area next Get them Lessons year. Order the tickets early to Small Business Saturday Special Many local businesses, includ- make sure they are here for ing art galleries, music shops and Christmas and have them wait- Christmas Artificials 20% Off woodworking studios, offer year- ing under the round lessons to help com-muni- tree. holiday open house Daily In Store Specials Through Christmas November 29th – Small Business Saturday ty members hone their skills. A You could also pre-order tick- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flowers for your home lessons package to such an ets for the big upcoming movie establishment is a unique and sequel or a touring Broadway Come Shop our studio store and business needs thoughtful idea for a Christmas show coming to the major city Handmade gifts for all from $2 - $20 Hand stamping while you wait 309-829-1001 gift that keeps on giving. closest to you. 1208 N. Towanda Ave Not only will your recipient Floating Lockets and Charms Bloomington, IL 61701 Even the people most difficult gain professional-level instruc- to buy for on your list will be Special Sales Free Make-it and Take-it tables Keep the cold out this winter by replacing or adding Your 4 Season Garden Center Prize Drawings weather seals to the largest opening in your home! INDOOR • HYDROPONIC • ORGANIC OLAF from Frozen – Noon til 3:00 Winterizing Special • Garage Door and Opener Tune-Up Bring a friend – get a free gift! • Door Lube, Tightening & Tensioning $ • Weather Seal Assesment 60 MIDSTATE OVERHEAD DOORS, INC. Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Loading Dock SALES - PARTS - SERVICE - INSTALLATION 24 Hour Emergency Service Bring ad in to receive 15% off your cash 309.808.4545 [email protected] 1103 Martin Luther King Drive #1H • Bloomington, IL 309-452-7330 purchase through the end of the year! 703 E. Lincoln, Unit 1, Bloomington 1531 Fort Jesse Road Suite 4C www.SomethingSoCharming.com 309-820-1994 • 800-420-4800 www.midstateohd.com (10% for credit/debit) Normal, IL 61761 • www.thereitgrows.com 8 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph don’t Forget non-Profits Some local organizations are spot to a nonprofit. Locals help- focused not on selling products, ing locals will strengthen the but on improving the lives of dis- community this holiday season. advantaged community mem- Food donationS bers. Non-profit groups, soup Why not spend your Christmas kitchens and children advocacy spreading some holiday cheer – organizations are all seeking help and delicious food? You can this holiday season. And what spend cooking they’re asking for is simply a your favorite dish or baking some hand. They need more manpow- special cookies, then bring them er to achieve their goals and to your local shelter on spread the word on their efforts. Christmas morning. Lending Your SkiLL Set Your gesture will surely be Can you spare a few hours appreciated by the hungry, as every weekend in December? well as by the shelter staff. And it You may be asked to run errands is a simple act of kindness that or visit with people. Maybe deliv- can be turned into a tradition, er food or products to clients passed on to children or replicat- across town. ed by your friends and family donating funds is a simple way to a difference in the lives of those Professionals in the creative members. show your support while making who need it. services field can offer their skills CharitabLe ContributionS free of charge as a holiday contri- You may find yourself short on bution. Developing a website, time this holiday season, but creating brochures or writing a maybe you have a few dollars to mission statement for free can donate to a local organization. help your local group promote its Your contribution could go a missions. long way toward furthering the An accounting firm could offer cause of a group near and dear to to waive their preparation fees your heart. for the organization’s upcoming You can conveniently make tax needs. A local radio station online donations or in- person could provide a free advertising cash contributions. Either way, Black Friday & Small Business Saturday only! Fill-A-Bag 25%OFF Everything You Can Fit in Our Shopping Bag 1520 E. College Normal, IL 61761 (309) 454-3455 www.wbu.com/normal Like us on Facebook Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph 9 Local First Projects Working ndependent businesses across the country have worked hard at getting their message Ito the masses. Message received. Local First initiatives are boosting customer traffic on Main Street, according to a 2013 national survey of independent business owners conducted by the Institute for Local Self- Reliance in partnership with the Advocates for Independent Business. With 550 member businesses, Local First is the largest organiza- See LOCAL, next page Have the Best Looking Driveway on the Block! “Visit us online at www.toro.com” Stop in or call today to talk with our staff Why Shop Midwest Equipment: about the snowblower that is right for you! Power Max and • Knowledgeable Sales Staff Offering Power Clear® QUICK STICK® CHUTE Power Max HD® CONTROL SYSTEM Customer Solutions. 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Don’t forget our end of season mower service! Off The Beaten Path, But Well Worth The Drive! 2150 W. College Ave. (a half mile West of White Oak) • Normal, IL 61761 www.midwestequip.com (309) 454-6800 10 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph • Buy Local: More than 75 per- firmed. Eliminating public subsi- sales tax had hurt their sales. LOCAL cent of businesses located in cit- dies and tax breaks for big com- More than 40 percent of these from page 9 ies with active Local First cam- panies would go a long way respondents described the level paigns reported increased cus- toward balancing the scales in of impact to their sales as “signif- tion supporting and advocating tomer traffic. They also reported the eyes of many independent icant.” for locally owned companies in sales growth of 7 percent on retailers. Access to credit: In the past the Midwest. average in 2013, compared to 2.3 • Internet sales tax: More than two years, 42 percent of small The survey – gathered percent for independent busi- three-quarters of independent business loan applicants failed to from 2,602 independent nesses in places without such an retailers said in the survey that obtain a loan or received one for businesses – also found that initiative. the fact that many online compa- less than the amount they need- small-business owners need pol- • Roadblocks: Competition nies are not required to collect ed. icymakers to do more to create a from level playing field. Write your large internet companies, unbal- SINCE 1975 local congressional leaders to anced supplier pricing and the The finest in Custom Picture Framing make your voice heard on any of high cost of health insurance are Gift Certificates Available the following issues you feel a few of the chief concerns iden- need to be addressed. tified by small-business owners, Among the survey’s key find- according to the survey. ings: • Policy priorities: Many small- • Strong growth: Independent business owners are continually businesses reported revenue pushing the requirement to col- 214 W Jefferson St., Bloomington Il 61701 growth of 5.3 percent on average lect sales tax to large online 309-828-0611 • [email protected] in 2013. retailers, as the survey con- Tues – Fri 10 – 5 • Sat 10 – 2 Stop by on Small Business Saturday • Nov. 29th

Check Out our Blow Out Specials!

1716 E. Hamilton Road Bloomington, Illinois (309) 663-5151 • www.nordpower.com Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph 11 sales tax had hurt their sales. More than 40 percent of these Saturday, December 13 respondents described the level of impact to their sales as “signif- 6 pm – Midnight icant.” Access to credit: In the past Parke Regency Hotel two years, 42 percent of small 1413 Leslie Dr., Bloomington business loan applicants failed to obtain a loan or received one for less than the amount they need- Holiday Gala ed. Start off your Holiday Celebration Featuring with Christmas Classics Early Rock and Swing, with live music from “Wagon Load A Trouble” Diane Quijano Ed Quijano Gourmet Dinner Holiday Cocktails

Silent Auction Jim Lauher Garard Montague $50 per person or $375 for a table of 8

Portion of proceeds to benefit United Way of McLean County Tom Morr Travis Morr

For tickets and information call 309-662-4300 Lee Hand Or visit www.parkeregency.com Like Wagon Load a Trouble on Facebook 12 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 The Pantagraph SHOP DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON on SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 11/29 on on CENTER ST MAIN ST

on ST 200 N. Main 309 N. Main WASHINGTON Mchistory.org Gryfaliasaerie.com 113 N. Center 306 N. Center Kellysbakeryandcafe.com Arenee.com

320 N. Main Thecoffeegrindery.com 116 W. Washington Windycitywieners.com 318 N. Main Insideoutartcoop.org 401 S. Center 317 N. Center Retrofitculture.com specsaroundtown.com

on 418 N. Main EAST ST Mainstreetyoga.com McLean County Arts Center 409 E. Washington 402 N. Main http://www.mcac.wildapricot.org Meltdowncreative.com Billskeyandlockshop.com on ST MONROE 405 N. Main Sugarmamabakery.net

101 W. Monroe 101 W. Monroe 404 N. Main Angelambrose.com 200 W. Monroe Fox-n-hounds.com Joanngoetzinger.com Maingallery404.com on 516 N. Main FRONT ST Commongroundgrocery.com

220 E. Front 220 E. Front Facebook.com/ 413 N. Main 616 N. Main epiphanyfarms.com anjuaboverestaurant Gigibottega.com Hobbylandfunstore.com

Check out a map of specials at www.downtownbloomington.org/events-list/ or Check our Facebook Page