Silver Valley Chamber to launch 'Shop Small' event

KELLOGG — With the cancelation of their holiday parade, craft fair and lighting ceremony due to the pandemic, the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce has been looking for a winter activity they can host to help local businesses during these trying times.

Silver Valley Chamber director and Holiday Committee member Kelton Enich said that they have found this activity with the "Shop Small" event.

Thought-up at the end of October, Shop Small is planned to coincide with the national holiday of "Small Business Saturday" on Nov. 28. On this day, shoppers are invited to pick up a Shop Small Discount Card at any of the participating businesses or at the Silver Valley Chamber office. This discount card will be redeemable at any of the businesses from pickup day to Dec. 24.

"This year, more than ever, it is important to keep our holiday shopping local and support the businesses who have been hit hard because of COVID-19," Enich said. "Most of the participating businesses have provided great deals and discounts that can only be redeemed by using this card!"

All Silver Valley Chamber businesses were offered the opportunity to be a part of the campaign and 16 of them chose to participate.

When it comes to using the discount card, only one is allowed per person and each discount on the card can only be used once. When an individual uses a discount, they'll receive a stamp from that particular business. These stamps are important, as each one can be redeemed for a separate entree into the Chamber's drawing to receive one of many local prizes. To enter the drawing, simply return the stamped card to the Chamber office before Christmas Eve.

"A huge thank you to Hecla Mining Company for sponsoring the local gift baskets and to P1FCU for sponsoring the advertising for this campaign," Enich said.

With shopping options limited this year due to pandemic restrictions and expected delays with online options, Chamber President Tara Lodi believes that the Shop Small event will incentivize shoppers even more to spend their money locally.

"Our businesses here in the Silver Valley need our support now more than ever," she said. "COVID-19 has left many businesses struggling and forced them to lay off staff. We ask that people think with an open mind about gifting options. Gift cards to local businesses are a great way to show them your support and help to keep their doors open!"

With the event set to begin this Saturday, the Chamber is hopeful that this campaign will get more customers through the doors of local businesses and help give back to the community.

"We wanted to end the year by encouraging our community to direct some of their holiday shopping back into their community to help support these businesses who have been impacted by this pandemic," Enich said.

The Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce office is located at 10 E. Station Ave. in Kellogg and can be reached by phone at 208-784-0821.