As the holiday season arrives—a time filled with gratitude, gathering, and giving—we’re reminded of what truly makes a community special. It’s not just the lights or the traditions; it’s the people behind the counters, in the kitchens, on the production floors, and in the clinics. It’s the dreamers and risk-takers who make our local economy thrive.
Because you—our small and local businesses—are the ones who bring our cities personality, flavor, and warmth. You season our culture. You shape our sense of place. You make our community feel like home.
You Create Spaces That Matter
You do far more than operate a business—you cultivate belonging. You create spaces where people feel seen, where new relationships take root, and where memories are celebrated. You turn simple transactions into meaningful moments.
Your teams reflect the true character of our community—a beautifully woven tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and ethnicities.
You hire local talent, mentor young workers, and give people their first shot or a fresh start. You give individuals dignity, purpose, and a place to contribute.
The Local Economic Ripple Effect
Your impact reaches farther than most people realize. Small businesses employ nearly half of America’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. And when we spend locally, the return is powerful: roughly $68 of every $100 stays right here in the community, circulating among suppliers, service providers, and local families.
Here in Catawba County, that reinvestment strengthens the very foundation of our region—our talent pipeline, our main streets, our commercial corridors, our schools, and the families who call this place home.
You Add Heart and Humanity to Daily Life
You are the familiar faces that make daily routines feel special—the server who remembers your name, the bartender who knows your favorite cocktail, the boutique owner whose window displays stop people in their tracks.
You are also the makers and manufacturers whose products reach far beyond our county—improving lives across the nation and around the world. From handcrafted goods to globally distributed products, your innovation elevates Catawba County’s reputation and economic vitality.
And you do all of this while making sacrifices few ever see. You’ve weathered seasons of growth and seasons of setback, made hard decisions, and kept going with unwavering resilience and grit.
You Contribute to Well-Being in Ways That Can’t Be Measured
You are the stylists who restore confidence, the therapists who offer healing, and the self-care professionals who provide rest for the weary. You listen, you encourage, you support—and sometimes you simply create the space for someone to take a cleansing breath.
You bring vibrancy and energy to our neighborhoods. You give visitors something worth talking about. You make locals proud to call this place their own.
When people think about what they love in our region, they remember the cozy coffee shop where they landed their first deal, the restaurant where they celebrated a milestone birthday, or the shop where they always find the perfect gift—beautifully wrapped at the counter.
This Holiday Season, Your Support Matters
So this season, as we shop, gather, and celebrate, let’s do so with intention. Let’s choose the places and people who continually invest in us.
- Shop local retailers.
- Dine at local restaurants.
- Buy gift cards.
- Schedule appointments with local professionals.
- Purchase handcrafted and locally made goods.
- Give the gift of experiences created right here at home.
Each choice fuels a dream—more than that, your neighbor’s dream. Each purchase builds a stronger, more connected community we all get to call home.
Lindsay M. Keisler, IOM, CCE
President/CEO
The Chamber of Catawba County