Think about flowers and candy!  Maybe some great jewelry or a new jazzy blouse!  Mom might like something for the garden or kitchen, but not too practical, make it fun!  Maybe something different this year too, a massage or theater tickets?  How about a night out at a great local restaurant?

Maybe your mom needs something new for her car or office?  Maybe shoes or a scarf, an apron or fancy soaps? No matter what your Mom wants or needs — You can GET IT in Faribault! 

Ladies – do what you do best – TAKE CHARGE and GET IT FOR YOURSELF!  Grab your mom, your daughter, your sisters and friends and make a night of celebrating Motherhood!  Thursday nights is Mom’s night out in Faribault! 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the great women of the Faribault Area!

The 2010Expo will be an interactive and entertaining event that will continue the tradition of drawing in many people who are looking to get information on local sales and products from Faribault Businesses. Be sure to stop buy the I Get It! in Faribault booth@

Once again, The Chamber is excited to be partnering with the Faribault Foundation in providing a large non-profit area at the Expo. Visitors to the Expo will have the chance to meet and learn first hand about local non-profit groups.

The Expo will be open from 2pm to 7pm.

If you have not yet received your Expo brochure/contract in the mail, you can download it from the Chamber web site at www.faribaultmn.org.

The goal of I GET IT! in Faribault is to increase local retail and service sales to thereby revitalize our area economy while creating a brighter future for our community. The campaign was developed to reduce the amount of business lost to companies outside our community.

We encourage all Faribault businesses, organizations and residents to make an effort to buy locally, and to make a pledge to shift more of their current spending back to our community.

I encourage all Faribault businesses and residents to check out information on the website www.ShopFaribaultMN.com or check with the Chamber of Commerce for further information.

Jan Roberts
Faribo Insurance

Whose business is it anyway?   It’s everyone’s business where you shop because supporting our local businesses is essential to a prosperous community.   When we buy locally, the dollars spent “roll over” a number of times in the community.  According to experts, retail dollars roll over approximately 3 ½ to 4 times in a community.  Retail profit margins are often very small, depending on the type of products sold.  Longer hours are often a challenge for retailers, with labor costs being significant.  The lure of on-line shopping is strong too, but except for local businesses that make on-line shopping an option; internet shopping contributes nothing to our local economy through salaries, taxes and local support. Today’s economic news provides another reason to shop at home. While the 24 hour news stations are telling everyone how tough times are, let’s do what we can to support the businesses in our own hometown. 

The spring and summer seasons are very important for the success of our retail community. We enjoy a robust and diverse economy in the Faribault area.  Whether your personal preference for a shopping experience is one of the quaint historic downtown shops, “big box” stores, a unique shop tucked away within our community or the mall and strip malls around town, Faribault is fortunate to have such amazing choices.  Each experience has its own special charm, and there truly is something for everyone here. 

Before you pick up the phone to place a catalog order or go on-line to make your next purchase or jump in your car to shop in another town…Ask yourself these questions.

Do the stores I patronize:

• Contribute to worthy local causes?
• Pay taxes to help fight crime and make improvements in my community?
• Let my club or organization put posters in their windows?
• Contribute to local youth groups for camp or sports or music programs? 
• Buy and ad in the high school yearbook?
• Greet me if I passed them on the street?
• Support the United Way or Local Food Shelf?
• Stand behind the products and services they sell?

The people who own and operate small businesses take a risk every day.  They open their doors, sweep off the welcome mat and prepare to greet their customers.   They shoulder a significant tax burden for the benefit of all of us. They employ people who then in turn engage in the commerce of the community too.  They offer benefits when they can and become a home away from home for employees every day. They build windows, produce cable, and process beans and turkeys. They provide our businesses with technology and staffing. They insure our homes and possessions and help us stay warm and safe.  They build buildings and make signs and sell TV’s, cars, and jewelry.  They take care of our health and our kids.  They keep us looking good and having fun.  They keep us fed and provide entertainment, along with places to meet and connect.  They build the community and make our quality of life very special.  The products and services they offer enrich and sustain our lives. 

Faribault businesses are poised and ready for your business.    In a special way I would like to thank the members of the Chamber of Commerce. These businesses contribute financially and with volunteer hours, to help make our community a great place to live and work.  

We must all support local businesses, shop Faribault first, and encourage family friends and co-workers to do the same.   Doing so increases the likelihood of financial success and longevity for our local businesses. That success benefits the whole community.

• Shattuck-St. Mary’s School community Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10:30. After the hunt, guests are invited to the Shattuck gym where music groups will perform.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Central Park, sponsored by Nelson’s Market Place begins at 11 am. Hip N’ Hop maps for the downtown promotion will be available.
• Downtown merchants are holding “Hip N’ Hop Day” from Noon to 2 pm.   The Easter Bunny will be hopping around Central Avenue passing out treats and you are encouraged to complete your map by visiting participating shops. A one-pound chocolate bunny will go to one lucky participant.
• Faribo West Mall hosts the Easter Bunny from 11 to 1 pm with treats and registration for one lucky boy and girl to win a giant Easter basket.

The weather is going to be fantastic,  get out and hop along the Easter trails.   Shop Faribault, Support Local Business!

We are fortunate to have so many options available to us right here in Faribault. You can grab an espresso to go, pick up locally grown produce or freshly baked bread, shop for unique gifts and clothing or household items, or choose a good book to read. You can get your hair cut,  have your taxes prepared, see the doctor, buy insurance from a local agent, or apply for a mortgage at your friendly community bank or credit union.

Local businesses add to the character that is Faribault, contributing more than just goods and services. They offer personalized attention, add diversity to our shopping options, and bring life to historic buildings.

Support your local businesses and they in turn will support you! Let’s make a commitment in 2009 to review purchases that are currently made out of the area, and see if considering a local vendor would be more appropriate.

Let’s work together to make our community grow!

Jan Roberts,
Faribo Insurance