The Gluckstadt Madison Business Alliance has launched Small Business Season in the new city throughout the holiday season as it continues to grow with local businesses.
Ninety three percent of the Business Alliance’s membership is made up of small businesses ranging from retail establishments and restaurants to many personal service providers. Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Business Alliance is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small business.
The Gluckstadt Madison Business Alliance’s Executive Director Elizabeth Tyler said small businesses are the backbone of the economy with 64 percent of new jobs in the U.S. coming from small businesses.
“When people spend their dollars locally, more money stays local,” Tyler said. “On average, for every $100 spent locally, $68 of that stays here.”
Tyler said if you drive through Gluckstadt, you’ll see new businesses opening each week as well as new construction underway.
“There is a lot of excitement in being an official city and everyone wants it to be the best that it can be,” Tyler said. “Gluckstadt is a very attractive location for new businesses. With it being right off of the interstate, the location is great.There are so many households in the area and more being built all of the time, which is a great customer base for businesses.The city is very welcoming and helpful to those wanting to open a business.”
Gluckstadt’s Mayor Walter Morrison said all you have to do is drive through the city to see that small businesses are the backbone of the community.
“We are excited to see new businesses starting up each week and our community growing at such an amazing pace,” Morrison said. “The Gluckstadt Business Alliance is an invaluable partner, and we are grateful for everything it continues to do for Gluckstadt.”
Tyler said small businesses are family with the community and have a desire to serve their customers and be successful.
“They are invested and true partners in wanting to make the community the best it can be,” Tyler said. “By implementing Small Business Season, we hope to encourage people to patronize all sorts of small businesses this holiday. In addition to our wonderful retail options, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, even local artisans that need our support. Small Business Season is a way to help our residents develop a better appreciation for how their spending affects our area and quality of life.”
The Business Alliance is encouraging all businesses to participate in its efforts to raise awareness of how supporting small business improves the quality of life for the entire community.
“All businesses need one another,” Cadence Bank Madison County President and Advisory Board President Grant Montgomery said. “There’s a symbiotic relationship. But small business is the most endangered because many small businesses don’t operate with large cash reserves. When costs skyrocket, they feel it.”
Lagniappe Gift Shop owner Jeanie Robinson said they are excited to participate in Small Business Season this year.
“The pandemic brought attention to local businesses and what we bring to the community, and Small Business Season helps us get holiday shoppers excited about the unique experiences we offer.”
Tyler said she loves to think of the cycle of money being spent at local businesses.
“You pay the dance studio for your child’s lessons, then the dance instructor picks up lunch from a local restaurant, then the waiter goes to get a haircut, then the stylist goes to pick up a cup of coffee, and then the coffee shop supports a team and on and on,” Tyler said. “I also want to mention that our large businesses or corporations are not to be left out of the equation. They are also big supporters of our small businesses and a part of the community. Their employees spend money in the community which helps tremendously. It takes us all.”
