Chamber joins effort to support small businesses

‘Support Local Gems’ set for Friday

SANDPOINT — Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials are hoping you help them support some local gems this Friday.

The chamber joined Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and the Idaho Department of Commerce to announce “Support Local Gems,” an all-day event to support Idaho small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, Idahoans are invited to give their business to their favorite local shops and restaurants. Idahoans can get involved by shopping at small businesses online, purchasing gift cards for future use or for loved ones, ordering take-out or delivery from local restaurants, writing a review online, posting on social media about a local business, or simply saying thank you, the local, state and federal officials said.

“The majority of our local businesses are small business and we want to reach out and help them in any way we can,” Kate McAlister, President and CEO of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, said. “This will be a way to support what we have already been doing with curb-side take out and online purchasing. Spend money locally, it helps people you know.”

Following Friday’s event, Visit Idaho will continue to promote awareness of the Support Local Gems program as part of a 10-week initiative by sharing resources as well as the stories of Idaho communities, citizens, and small businesses on visitidaho.org and across its social media channels.

Additional supporters of Support Local Gems include Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Sen. Mike Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson, Congressman Russ Fulcher, Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Association of Counties, Idaho Chamber Alliance, Idaho Retailers Association, Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry, and the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“Idaho small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and the backbone of our state’s economy. The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has forced widespread closures of small businesses across the Gem State, threatening livelihoods, acute job losses, and imperiling the future of Main Street establishments across the state,” Risch said. “There are many ways to support these businesses, on Friday, April 24, I invite you to find a way to express your support for the small businesses that power our economy and make our communities thrive.”

Little also encouraged support for the program.

“Idaho will be better positioned for a strong economic comeback because we are making difficult changes in how we live and work in the short-term, and our small businesses need our support more than ever,” Little said. “I urge all citizens who are able to spend money and support small business on Friday, April 24.”