Lake County had practically coined the trending term “shop local” long before my family and I moved here in 2012. I soon learned it was the “thing to do” in this area, and I quickly adopted the spirit and pride of supporting my local economy.
Come the holiday season, we will all proudly support our locally owned small businesses, as we do every year, and with great joy, too. And The Bloom will launch the 2025 Holiday Shopping Guide next week! Can you believe that!? To be honest, I am still in shock.
However, before we delve into all of that, I wanted to share with you a conversation I had with Nicole Flora from the Lake County Economic Development Corporation, and more recently, the Executive Director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. As you can imagine, she knows a thing or two about small businesses and how we, as a community, can support them throughout the year, from January to December.
Our conversation started on a warm autumn lunch hour when one can’t decide whether to wear long sleeves for the chilly morning or short sleeves for the warmer afternoon. Nicole sits across the table from me at Park Place restaurant, wearing a lightweight sweater, her brown hair framing her face, which broadens into a smile as I ask her about other ways we can support our local businesses throughout the year.
“Here are some ideas: consider doing your banking through one of our local banks,” she begins, “or shop around for local insurance companies. They might have competitive rates. And, of course, support our locally owned grocery stores, medical facilities, gas stations, and gardening services, among others. These businesses provide the best customer service and are there when we encounter a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire. They are also the companies that support your kid’s sports teams or give your kid their first customer service job.”
Nicole pauses for a moment to enjoy a bite of salad and to collect her thoughts before continuing. “Also, expand what you consider local–Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties’ jobs support the people that live in Lake County. Ideally, we want to support Lake County first, but this should be the next ‘circle’ of support we should be giving to.”
My mind is blown! However, it all makes sense to me when I realize not only can we broaden the ways we think to support our local businesses, but the next step is to help our neighboring counties, which also provide jobs for many of our residents.
Nicole continues to educate me. “Shop in person as much as possible instead of online, as online purchases take away in-person jobs. These are the little things we can do all year long.” To say I am inspired does not suffice; it falls short.
“So, how can I help!?” I ask, leaning over the table.
“Well, let’s start with me sending you a link to our Eat, Drink, Shop Local campaign. Some businesses remain the same as last year, while others are new. That will be a good start, especially for the holiday season. Then we can plan out further,” she suggests.
“I’m sold!” I smile before our lunch hour comes to an end, all too soon. I stand to leave. Autumn leaves seem a strange sight falling far above such lush green grass. But the long shadows and golden light affirm fall’s return. Even so, there is no rush; more days like these are to come before winter’s gentle slumber.
Later in the afternoon, I take a closer look at the “Eat, Drink, Shop Local” link and find a variety of businesses offering special discounts for shopping during the holiday season. The list will be updated every Monday, so it’s not too late if you are a small business owner wanting to participate. Take your time perusing the website, not only to learn more about how you and I can further support our local economy, but also to explore the resources available to small businesses in Lake County through the Lake County EDC. And be sure to take advantage of the great deals offered this holiday season!
