Win Big by Shopping Local this Holiday Season!
Elfie is on a mission to make this holiday season merry, bright, and LOCAL! He’s challenging you to buy your holiday gifts from local businesses in Madison County this year.

Here’s how you can join in on the fun:

• Shop Local: For every $20 you spend at the business Elfie is visiting, you'll earn an entry into a drawing for a "Shop Local Gift Basket" valued at over $250—packed full of goodies from our amazing local businesses!
• Snap a Selfie with Elfie: Gain an extra entry by taking a selfie with Elfie and posting it with the hashtag #ShopWithElfie.
• Where’s Elfie? Elfie is currently hanging out at Thal's Hardware, where he’s already found some fabulous gift ideas. Don’t miss your chance to shop, snap, and enter while he’s there!

Mark Your Calendar: The winner of the "Shop Local Gift Basket" will be announced on December 20th.
Stay tuned to see where Elfie will pop up next, and remember—every local purchase helps our Madison County businesses thrive.

Small Business Saturday | November 30th

Get ready for Small Business Saturday in Madison County, Missouri! Join us to shop unique holiday gifts from local storefronts and pop-up shops, all while supporting our community. Enjoy prize drawings, special deals, hot chocolate, and festive photos with Santa, surrounded by the sounds of holiday music.

Register Your Business

Follow the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page where we'll post all of the deals, activities and giveaways that will be held Saturday, November 30th.

Join the Facebook Event

Ways to Support Local Businesses

Here are several creative and impactful ways community members can support local businesses during Small Business Season in November and December:

1. Shopping & Gifting
   1. Buy Gift Cards: Purchase gift cards from local restaurants, boutiques, and service providers to give as holiday gifts.
   2. Shop Local First: Commit to buying gifts, decorations, and holiday supplies from local stores before turning to big-box retailers or online giants.
   3. Order Local Catering: Hire local restaurants or caterers for holiday parties and gatherings.
   4. Build Local Gift Baskets: Create custom gift baskets with products from multiple local businesses.
2. Spreading the Word
   1. Write Positive Reviews: Leave glowing reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media for your favorite local businesses.
   2. Post on Social Media: Share photos or posts about local purchases and tag the businesses to increase their visibility.
   3. Word of Mouth: Recommend local businesses to friends, family, and coworkers for holiday shopping and services.
3. Engaging with Events & Activities
   1. Attend Local Events: Participate in Small Business Saturday events, pop-up markets, or community activities hosted by local shops.
   2. Support Vendor Booths: Buy from local vendors at holiday markets and festivals.
   3. Follow & Engage Online: Follow small businesses on social media, like their posts, and engage with their content to help increase their reach.
4. Financial Support
   1. Prepay for Services: Pay in advance for services you plan to use in the future (e.g., haircuts, massages, or gym memberships).
   2. Donate to Local Initiatives: Contribute to community or business-led crowdfunding campaigns or fundraisers.
5. Creative Contributions
   1. Collaborate with Businesses: Offer your skills (like photography, graphic design, or marketing) to help local businesses shine during the season.
   2. Volunteer: Help small businesses with events or community projects if they need an extra hand.
6. Practical Support
   1. Buy a Meal for Someone Else: Order from a local restaurant and pay it forward by gifting the meal to a family in need or first responders.
   2. Switch Your Routine: Replace a coffee shop chain with a local café, or choose a neighborhood bakery over a national brand.
7. Encourage Others to Join
   1. Plan a Local Shopping Day: Organize a “shop local” outing with friends or family to visit local stores.
   2. Give Locally-Made Gifts: Opt for handmade or uniquely local items to highlight the community's talent and creativity.
   
   

By making even small, intentional choices, community members can significantly impact the success of local businesses during the holiday season!