July is the slowest shopping month for small businesses. It’s for that reason the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, through its “Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC” campaign, is urging people to purchase from local small businesses as much as possible. “Supporting our local small businesses, especially during the summer months, is good for the entire city,” said Chamber CEO and President Christy Gillenwater. “I don’t think it’s a big secret that small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, creating most new jobs and providing crucial tax revenues that help keep our region thriving and growing. So, let’s all do our part and help provide a needed boost to our small businesses, not just in July but throughout the entire year.” Tammy Fate, the Chamber’s director of retail development and recruitment, said the “Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC” campaign also provides extra visibility to local shops located throughout Oklahoma City’s many shopping districts. Whether it’s establishing a loyal, regular customer base from OKC residents or attracting vacationing guests, those small businesses continue to represent the heartbeat of our city. CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES OKC-AREA RESIDENTS TO ‘SHOP SMALL’ THIS SUMMER
“When you think about those times you personally travel, it’s not the chain store that you remember the most. It’s that really cool coffee shop that you went to or a really neat experience you had in a quaint little [shopping] district. So, we really want to make sure we protect and capitalize on those areas which are unique and special to our market,” Fate said. The “Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC” campaign coincides with a similar statewide campaign planned for the weekend of July 14-16. Developed by the Independent Shopkeepers Association, “Weekend of Local” is aimed at encouraging Oklahomans across the state to shop and spend money at their local shops and restaurants. More details about the Weekend of Local campaign can be found at weekendoflocal.com. The Chamber will promote its “Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC” campaign and the various district activities on some of its social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. People are encouraged to get downloadable social media assets, signage and more info on VelocityOKC, use the #ShopSmallForOKC hashtag, and to follow the districts’ social media accounts as well to keep up with their activities. A complete list of the districts, their top things to do and their attractions can be found on VisitOKC.
DC VISIT Our annual DC Visit included more than 50 executives from Chamber businesses. During the trip we heard from Sens. Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford along with Reps. Josh Brecheen, Frank Lucas and Kevin Hern. We also hosted a Capitol Hill reception with federal legislative, military and defense officials. The event gives Chamber members the opportunity to meet face-to- face with key decision-makers at the federal level.
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