NOTE: This "It's Your Business" column by Chamber CEO Erin Predmore was published in the Nov. 13, 2020 Bloomington Herald-Times. ![]() During the Longest Year Ever, the holidays are nearly upon us. Your gift-giving this year takes on an even more meaningful role, as many local businesses are struggling from the pandemic’s impact. And while the sentiment of “Buy Local” is important year-round, it’s even more so during the holiday season. Retailers in particular make the bulk of their profits during the fourth quarter and rely on robust sales now to stay in business the rest of the year. Consumer optimism is rising, which is a good sign. According to the October U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index, Americans are growing more optimistic about the economy than at any point since the pandemic began, but their optimism is still below levels reported at the start of 2020. There is cautious optimism locally, too. But that’s tempered with the early exodus of Indiana University students, as classes end before Thanksgiving and won’t start up again in person until February. So as you plan your holiday gift-giving this year, please consider spending your gift dollars locally.
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NOTE: This "It's Your Business" column by Chamber CEO Erin Predmore was published in the Oct. 9, 2020 Bloomington Herald-Times. ![]() This year, the presidential election is sucking all the oxygen out of the room as we head toward Nov. 3. It’s certainly a crucial race, and not just for the business community. But here’s the thing: While presidential candidates receive much-deserved attention and scrutiny, many of the down-ballot races go virtually unnoticed. How many times in the past have you filled out your ballot and wondered: “Who the heck are these people?” The candidates we elect for local and state offices have a direct impact on our daily lives. They make decisions that impact businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and individuals. They decide how our tax dollars are spent. They make policies and regulations that affect how your business can operate and whether you can thrive. They hire and oversee our school superintendents. They determine how laws are applied. And most of them do this in relative anonymity. NOTE: This "It's Your Business" column by Chamber CEO Erin Predmore was published in the Aug. 14, 2020 Bloomington Herald-Times. ![]() Earlier this summer, we unveiled an important historical marker for our community as a whole, for the business community, and most importantly, for the Black business community. In the 1960s, a business called The Black Market operated in the spot where Peoples Park is located now. Owned and run by IU grad student Rollo Turner, it was a Bloomington store celebrating Black culture, with African art, clothing, and music. It was a welcoming place for Black IU students and community members to gather. On December 26, 1968, in a violent reaction to the civil rights movement, the Black Market was firebombed. What was one moment a thriving, locally owned business and center for Black culture became in the next moment a burning symbol of hatred and racism. The store was destroyed in the fire. |
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