In Tinley Park, Shoppers are Encouraged to Shop Local from Home

April 11, 2020, Tinley Park, IL – The Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce is joining chambers and small businesses across the state of Illinois to launch the ‘IL’ove Local campaign to encourage people to support local businesses during the week of April 11 – 18, 2020. While the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) is leading efforts to unite chambers across the state in the initiative, the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce is taking a leadership role in our community.

“Our Small Businesses are facing trying times, but together, we can help them survive this,” explains Jackie Bobbitt, Executive Director, Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce. “Even from home we can all participate in this initiative. We can buy gift cards, refer a business, order carry-out for dinner, leave a big tip or book a future appointment – there are so many options!”

The statistics are staggering for small businesses following natural disasters: according to FEMA, roughly 40-60% of small businesses that close after a disaster never re-open.

“People across the state are staying home to save lives, we want to ensure that small businesses can save their livelihoods,” said Lisa Weitzel, President of Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. “We are asking neighbors to put their money where their heart is and support the ‘IL’ove Local initiative.”

Each dollar spent at a local, independent business returns 50 times more money to the local economy than shopping at a mega e-retailer. Across Illinois, small businesses provide communities with good jobs, quality service, and the character that makes cities, towns and neighborhoods feel like home.

From Chicago to Carbondale and the Mississippi to Lake Michigan, Illinois chambers are coming together sharing resources, building community and uniting to create the week-long initiative designed to drive business to our small businesses. Collectively small, local businesses are the states’ largest employer. Small businesses employ more than half of working class in the United States.

How Tinley Park can Help

• Follow social distancing guidelines and stay home as much as possible! The more people that follow these guidelines, the faster we can re-open small businesses.
• Buy Gift Cards to use at a later time. Gift Cards make a great ‘pick-me-up gift’ for a friend or family member.
• Order Take-Out or Delivery from Local food establishments. If you get carry-out or delivery from a Tinley Park Chamber Member, you can enter the #TPChamberChallenge for the chance to win a $100 Gift Card!* (All details can be found on the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce Facebook page).
  • Leave a big Tip for your server
  • Purchase a meal for local first responders
• Make a donation to a local Non-Profit Organization.
• Make a social media post about your favorite local small business and spread positive news!
• Write a positive Facebook, Google or Yelp Review for a local small business.
• Book a future appointment. Businesses will need your support when they reopen.
• Looking for a business to support? Check out our local Tinley Park Chamber Member Businesses here: http://tools.tinleychamber.org/list

This is a partnership led by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, with participation from Chambers of Commerce across Illinois in support small business across the state. The Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives was established in 1915 and serves over 130 chambers of commerce and their professional staff throughout the state. IACCE supports the development of chamber professionals by creating opportunities for growth and recognition.

More information on the ‘IL’ove Local campaign can be found at www.IllinoisLoveLocal.com.

About the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1955, the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce is one of the area’s largest and strongest chambers, attracting members from throughout the greater Tinley Park and Chicago Southland region. Membership is open to any business firm, individual of an association, corporation, or partnership having an interest in furthering the objectives of the Chamber. For more information, contact the Chamber at (708) 532-5700 or visit www.tinleychamber.org.

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