Update, Jan. 5, 2016 / After Bill Kreger reopened his family business in May 2013, he joined IndieBound Naperville to engage in educational and social activities that help raise awareness regarding the joys, challenges and importance of small business ownership and entrepreneurship in the community. For more than a year, Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus, located at at 6th Street and Ellsworth, has served as the permanent meeting place for monthly IndieBound Naperville meetings at 6PM on the first Monday of the month.
Above / To kick off the New Year on Jan. 4, 2016, Mayor Steve Chirico, founder of Great Western Flooring in 1981 and a member of IndieBound Naperville, addressed the group of independent business owners/managers with an overview of the ups and downs and true value that results from owning and operating a family business.
During 2015, other independent entrepreneurs—Dan Casey of Casey’s Foods, Kris Hartner of Naperville Running Co., Scott Flak of Second City Web Design, Rich and Michael Massat of The Growing Place—told their stories that collectively span more than 150 years of business experience. In addition, member attorney Chuck Corrigan of Dommermuth, Cobine, West, Gensler, Philipchuck, Corrigan & Bernhard, Ltd. addressed the group regarding legal issues that could confront the workplace.
Original Post, May 16, 2013 /The reopening of Kreger’s (rhymes with beggars) Grocery as “Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus,” still located at 6th Street at Ellsworth just a block north of Fifth Avenue Station, is now history. A step inside will bring back a rush of memories that independent and locally-owned businesses throughout Naperville have just what you need to balance your shopping and dining patterns as well as your bank statement.
Above / Bill Kreger, Sue Kreger and Sarah Lesiecki provided a warm welcome on reopening day.
“We were very, very busy for lunch today,” said Bill Kreger, “We sold out of buns and had to make more brats. It’s been a very good, good day.”
Locally-owned enterprises make a big difference to Naperville’s charm, culture and character every day of the year. Keeping positive experiences at shops and restaurants, banks and home decorating services a secret is the best way to watch them go out of business. So spread the word that independents such as Kreger’s are open for business!
First established in 1893, Kreger’s now will be open three days a week: 9AM-6PM on Thursday and Friday and 8AM-5PM on Saturday. Kreger’s Brat & Sausage Haus will continue its more than 60-year tradition of making handmade famous bratwurst and sausages.
“I’ll be there for lunch on Friday,” said Pat Benton, President of First Community Bank Naperville, earlier in the week.
Another independent businessman and longtime Napervillian, Tony Chirico of AG Real Estate Investors, is joining Benton in support of the reopening.
“Pat came up with the idea and I thought it was a great one to go welcome back a family business and a Naperville institution,” said Chirico on Thursday. “I just returned from Italy where I experienced many longtime traditions. It’s good and important to keep small independents going—even if it’s German sausage,” he joked.
Independent Culture
What’s more, many owners of small businesses actively are involved in the community—they’re the ones who frequently serve on local boards, foundations and commissions. Many of them are the heartbeat of the community from one neighbor to the next.
Plus, local business owners are more likely to know your name with a warm welcome. They aim to provide quality services so you’ll keep coming back.
Whenever possible, find the balance between big box bargains and small business special services such as pet supplies, real estate agents, property owners and developers, printers, car dealers, custom framing, plumbers, fresh meats and produce, bankers and entertainment.
Small businesses are the leading job creators.
But mostly, support your local community as a way to support your quality of life at every level.
Your spending habits have an impact on Naperville’s workforce and local tax revenues that fund snow removal, filling potholes, leaf and trash collection and public safety.
Educate your family, especially young people, about the importance of supporting local businesses first before shopping online.
Here’s a sampling of what happens when you shop locally and support independent businesses…
1. You keep dollars in the local economy. According to info promoting self-reliance via “shop local campaigns” and other messaging, for every $100 you spend at one of our local brick-and-mortar businesses, $68 will stay in the community. When you spend that same $100 at a national chain, $43 stays in the community.
2. You embrace what makes this city different from others. Since you wouldn’t want your house to look like every other one in the nation, why would you want your community to be a cookie cutter image?
3. You help create local jobs. Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
4. You help the environment. Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation, less packaging, and products that you know are safe and well made, because we stand behind them.
5. You nurture community spirit. We know you, and you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
6. You conserve your tax dollars. Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong—right here in your community!
7. You create more choice. We pick the items we sell based on what we know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we buy for our own individual market.
8. You take advantage of independent expertise. You are our friends and neighbors, and we have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. We’re passionate about what we do. Why not take advantage of it?
9. You invest in entrepreneurship. Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.
10. You help make Naperville a destination from downtown Naperville to CityGate Centre to Naperville Plaza to Naperville Crossings to Freedom Commons and all the shopping centers N.E.W. S. The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!
—The Ten Points were inspired by the American Booksellers Association/IndieBound.org where Becky Anderson of the award-winning Anderson’s Bookshop serves as ABA President until May 30, 2013. In 2008, Anderson united other independent businesses to found IndieBound Naperville, an eclectic group of independent business owners with passions to serve the local economy.
RELATED POSTS / Positively Naperville is a founding member of IndieBound Naperville. Over the years, a number of stories have featured the awareness campaigns to remind residents, no matter where they live, about the importance of supporting local businesses. Thanks for searching “IndieBound Naperville” on this website.
