Above / In July 2018, Busey Bank in Naperville Plaza disguised a Riverwalk Jumbo Duck as “Waldo” to connect community events and heighten awareness for the “shop locally” campaign in support of independent businesses. (PN File Photo)
IndieBound Naperville, a growing group of independent local businesses, is set to meet beginning at 6PM Mon., April 1. The group meets regularly on the first Monday of most months at Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus. Owners and managers of independently-owned enterprises in Naperville are welcome to attend, learn about membership and connect with other independent business representatives.
It’s no April Fool’s joke that little is expected from more than 100 members other than displaying the bright red sign in a prominent place to designate independence and to promote the “shop locally” message.
Even so, since October 2008, members who have attended monthly meetings have had a chance to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who enjoy the independence that comes from being an independent business owner. Members share best practices, changes in technology, banking and marketing as well as the competition that independent business owners face every day while trying to serve and support the local community where it matters most for Naperville.
Local ‘Find Waldo’ and ‘Grow Your Heart’ campaigns raise independent awareness
In addition to the bright red signs every day, twice a year, Indiebound Naperville heightens awareness about the independent business community and how shopping locally benefits Naperville by keeping dollars circulating within the city’s borders. The two promotions welcome all IBN independents to participate. The Find Waldo experience is promoted throughout July and the Grow Your Heart campaign featuring the Grinch is held during December. Both campaigns are to remind residents that locally-owned businesses employ more individuals per unit of sales, likely helping to support family, friends and neighbors who also shop, dine, bank and use services locally. What’s more, when local businesses grow, they, of course, help create a more stable, thriving community.
IndieBound Naperville members tell great stories
“Support your local businesses and you’ll always live in a nice community,” said Dan Casey, owner of Casey’s Foods, during a “history of business” presentation to the IBN group a number of years ago.
In addition to participating in raising awareness campaigns, guest speakers such as Casey who are IBN members have enlightened other members with their stories of growth, challenges and success as well as expertise. For instance, IBN members Kris Hartner of Naperville Running Company; Chuck Corrigan of Dommermuth, Cobine, West, Gensler, Philipchuck, Corrigan & Bernhard, Ltd.; Greg Gordon of Dog Patch Pet & Feed as well Tom Belgio and Tim Belgio of Belgio’s Catering are just a few who have shared their stories that come with a collective long rich history of generously connecting to the community.
City of Naperville officials and department heads also have presented where Q&A always is engaging and informative during the one-hour meetings.
April program will be presented by Naperville Police Department
In fact, on Mon., April 1, the topic of discussion again will be public safety when a representative from the Naperville Police Department returns to focus on theft and scams that might have an impact on business as well as individuals.
For more information about Naperville’s independent business community, look for the bright red “IndieBound-Naperville” signs throughout the community, north, east, west and south and/or visit the listing of members at www.indieboundnaperville.org.
And what could be a better place for monthly meetings than Kreger’s? The place is where members are surrounded by memorabilia that reflects a Naperville independent family business dating back to 1893.
Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus is located at 605 N. Ellsworth.
Editor’s Note: Most IndieBound Naperville businesses have websites and a presence on social media. IndieBound Naperville also has a little-used social media page at https://www.facebook.com/IndieBoundNaperville/.
