2024 Shop Local by The Emporia Gazette

Kyle Thompson Agent

Emporia has Something for Everyone this Holiday Season!

By Emporia area chamber

AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, many people are beginning to think about their gift lists and the upcoming festivities. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to fall into the habit of shopping at large chain stores or on-line retailers. However, there’s something truly special about keeping your shopping local, especially during the holidays. Supporting local businesses here in Emporia not only helps your community thrive but also ensures you’re giving unique, thoughtful gifts while enjoying everything this vibrant town has to offer.

One of the most rewarding aspects of shopping local is discovering one-of-a-kind items you won't find in big-box stores. Emporia boasts a wide variety of local shops offering everything from artisan gifts to fashion and home decor.

Take The Sweet Granada, for example. This charming store offers an array of gourmet chocolate treats that make the perfect gifts for anyone on your list. Whether you're looking for a unique stocking stuffer, gift to give to employees, your children’s teachers, just to name a few. The Sweet Granada is a sweet stop for every holiday shopping list.

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For those seeking eclectic gifts or handcrafted art, Trox Gallery and Gift is a must-visit. Local artists and craftsmen showcase their talents here, providing shoppers with beautiful, original pieces that celebrate Emporia's creative spirit. From pottery and paintings to jewelry and textiles, Trox offers something for every taste.

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Bluestem Farm and Ranch

Supply is a legend, this family-owned general store has

been a destination for over 60 years, selling a large variety of items for the farm and home. Fanestil Meats has been providing fresh and smoked pork, turkey, chicken, and beef throughout the Midwest for over 80 years. These products will help make sure your holiday meal is perfect. Don’t forget to get your freshly baked breads and dinner rolls from the Breadman Bakery!

Of course, no holiday shopping experience would be complete without finding that perfect outfit or pair of shoes. Emporia has a variety of local boutiques that offer everything from casual wear to trendy accessories. Whether you're shopping for a cozy sweater or a fashionable pair of boots, the city's locally owned clothing shops provide options that reflect the unique style and spirit of the community. - - -

Shopping local isn’t just about the stores – it’s also about supporting local restaurants and entertainment venues. Emporia is rich in dining options, with a variety of local-

ly owned eateries serving up delicious meals that make the perfect post-shopping treat.

Start your day with a warm, fresh pastry and cup of coffee from one of Emporia’s locally owned coffee shops. Whether you prefer the cozy atmosphere of The Sweet Granada or the trendy vibe at Gravel City Roasters, you’re sure to find the perfect place to unwind during your holiday shopping. These spots not only serve great drinks, but they’re also community gathering places where you can enjoy the camaraderie of fellow locals. Get your morning walk in at Champions Landing and then stop into Champs Coffee for your morning cup of joe!

For lunch or dinner, there’s no shortage of flavorful options. From our variety of mouthwatering BBQ, to Mexican, Asian, and so much more! Emporia's locally owned restaurants offer diverse menus that cater to every palate. These businesses provide more than just food—they give you a taste of the heart and soul of the community.

Looking for a bit of fun after dinner? Emporia has a thriving nightlife scene, with local bars and venues offering live music and entertainment throughout the year. Whether you're in the mood to listen to live bands, enjoy a drink with friends, or just relax in a laidback pub atmosphere, there's always something happening in town to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Remember, when you shop local, the benefits ripple throughout the community. Local businesses contribute to the local economy, provide jobs, and help sustain the town's unique character. Every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays within the community, helping it grow and thrive.

By shopping locally, you also support the hard work and creativity of entrepreneurs who are passionate about what they do. These businesses invest in the community, offering jobs and creating opportunities for others to flourish. When you choose local, you're also making a statement about the kind of community you want to be part of—one that values creativity, individuality, and a strong sense of belonging.

As you prepare for the holiday season, consider shopping and dining locally in Emporia.

From unique gifts to delicious meals and unforgettable experiences, our town has so much to offer. When you shop local, you're not just finding great gifts—you’re making a meaningful impact on the place we all call home.

It’s Small Business Season

By Emporia area chamber

The Emporia Area Chamber is once again launching Small Business Season, a community-wide initiative to champion the importance of supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season. Beginning on November 1st and continuing through the end of the year, Small Business Season aims to reacquaint residents with the unique benefits of shopping local and the lasting impact it has on our community.

“Some of my most favorite memories are of celebrating the holidays and the traditions my family holds dear. Many of those revolve around visiting favorite businesses and the joyful atmosphere of the town’s decorations. There’s a reason Hallmark movies focus on small businesses! When you shop small, you create beautiful memories that extend

far beyond the gifts we purchase,” said Chamber President/CEO Jeanine McKenna. “By supporting our local businesses, we’re investing in the heart of Emporia and creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”

Small Business Season encourages residents to explore the diverse range of shops, restaurants, and services that make our community unique. By choosing to shop local, you’re supporting your neighbors and contributing to a thriving economy. Shopping local also offers a more personalized and enjoyable experience, with knowledgeable staff and unique products you won’t find anywhere else.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Small Business Season and rediscovering the joy of shopping local,” said Ms. McKenna “Let’s make this holiday season one to remember by visiting the businesses that make our community so special.”

She also underscored the significance of shopping locally by stating, “Our small businesses create the unique character and charm that makes Emporia so special. When you choose to shop small this holiday season, you’re not simply buying gifts; you’re creating shared experiences and lasting memories. These local businesses support us year-round, enriching our lives through their contributions to our schools, sports teams, arts programs, and countless other community endeavors. This holiday season, let’s return the favor by supporting them and celebrating the beauty of our local community together.”

When buyers shop locally their spending has a profound impact on the area. More money stays within the

community, fueling economic prosperity. Data shows that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 when spent at a national chain. This money also supports local jobs, infrastructure, and other essential community services. The small business sector plays a pivotal role in the economic growth of [your town], our area, and nation.

Ms. McKenna added, “Small businesses employ 46% of the private sector workforce and that number is expected to grow as an estimated 62% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z want to start their own businesses. If we don’t support new small business, young people will go elsewhere to explore their dreams.”

About Small Business Season

Small Business Season is a free global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate on the importance of supporting local business and reinvigorating the joy behind community. Small businesses support our area by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events.

About Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce:

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization dedicated to promoting businesses, fostering economic growth, and serving as the Voice of Business. With a commitment to fostering a strong and vibrant local business environment, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in the success and development of the city. Visit www.emporiakschamber.org for more information.

HOLIDAY SOLDIER CARE PACKAGE DRIVE – HOSTED BY EMPORIA MAIN STREET

The holidays are always bittersweet for soldiers stationed far from home. Thousands of miles away from family and friends, they miss the sights and sounds of the season — the glow of holiday lights, the smell of pine trees, and the laughter shared over a warm meal. While these soldiers are focused on their duty, small comforts from home can feel especially meaningful during the holiday months.

By Emporia Main Street

What started in the early 2000’s and continued in years following, the Holiday Soldier Care Package Drive hosted by Emporia Main Street has become an annual tradition for the Emporia community and surrounding area. Each November, donation collection begins and items are gathered

through early December. Donations typically include everyday essentials like shampoo & conditioner, ChapStick, and other personal hygiene items to small gifts such as art supplies, candy, puzzles, and games- with an emphasis on items that are local or specific to Emporia.

Emporia Main Street works with military personnel to secure recipients for the care packages – with a focus on local soldiers first. If there isn’t a local unit deployed during the drive, they then look to Kansas based units.

After packages arrive at their destination, recipients

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will often send Thank You notes expressing their gratitude. Steve Harmon, Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Kansas National Guard, was the first person to receive packages through the program in the early 2000’s when he was serving in Afghanistan. He also received them again in 2017 during another deployment.

“Serving our country overseas is an amazing experience BUT no matter how long or how short you are away, you miss home; you miss the very place you leave knowing someone must defend and protect our nation and national interests,” said Harmon. “Care packages from home are the very best care packages. It tells us we are not forgotten and our separation from family, friends and our coworkers is something that matters. Thank you to

all who remember everyone deployed.”

Last year, Harmon donated to the program to send packages to his son while he was deployed.

“The Emporia community is always ready to support this cause,” explained Jess Buchholz, Community Development Coordinator for Emporia Main Street. “As the founding city of Veterans Day, military men and women hold a special place in the heart of this Community.”

For those interested in participating in the program, there are several ways to give: Request a Package for a Loved One: If you have a special request for a deployed service member, we would love to send a package their way! Just provide the necessary mailing information and consider donating to help with shipping costs. Please

complete the form at emporiamainstreet.com to make a request.

Monetary Donations: Donations help cover shipping costs and allow organizers to purchase items from Emporia’s local businesses, supporting both our troops and our community. You can donate online or bring funds

to Emporia Main Street at 727 Commercial Street. They are also accepting Venmo donations at @emporiamainstreet (please add “SCP” in the memo).

Item Donations: Your contributions make these care packages extra special and ensure our soldiers feel a personal connection to home.

Care Package Item Suggestions:

Toiletries (small, individually wrapped items preferred)

Feminine Hygiene Products

Non-Perishable Snacks (single-serving packages of chips, nuts, or trail mix)

Drink Mixes (pre-sweetened or sugar-free for easy

water flavoring)

Hot Beverages (instant coffee, cocoa, or tea packs)

Pocket-Sized Treats (gum, candy, beef jerky, granola bars)

Games, puzzles, art supplies

Items from Emporia’s local businesses are especially

appreciated.

All donations, monetary or physical items, should be submitted by December 6, 2024. Emporia Main Street will be shipping packages periodically through February, but the earlier we receive donations, the sooner they can be delivered to our soldiers.

Together, let’s make this holiday season a little brighter for our troops! For more information, visit emporiamainstreet.com or call the Emporia Main Street office at 620-34 Thank you for supporting our deployed soldiers and showing them the love of our Emporia community.

SHOPPING AT LOCAL BUSINESSES IS VITAL TO THE ECONOMIC HEALTH OF EMPORIA

By Emporia Main Street

LOCALLY OWNED ESTABLISHMENTs provide jobs, support other area businesses, and keep money circulating within the local economy. Unlike large corporations, local businesses are often more invested in their communities, creating jobs that support local families and encouraging economic stability.

In addition to economic benefits, locally owned businesses contribute to the unique and vibrant character of Emporia. Every small store, restaurant, and boutique reflects the values, tastes, and culture of the people who live here. These businesses offer personalized services, distinctive products, and experiences that can’t be found in national chains.

When we shop locally, we’re not just purchasing goods; we’re supporting the individuality and creativity that make Emporia a special place to live and visit.

“Small businesses are truly the heartbeat of a thriving community as they can offer unique products and services that reflect the value and character of the area, and give a sense of identity and pride.” said Kinsey Jones, Manager at Breadman Bakery. “By choos-

ing to shop locally, we not only support entrepreneurs but also contribute to the sustainability of our neighborhoods. I feel we are vital to preserving the spirit that makes communities vibrant and strong.”

The financial impact of shopping locally is substantial, with $67 of every $100 spent at a small local retailer returning directly to the community.

“Dollars spent in our local economy at locally owned businesses stay here and help build our community. Locally owned businesses use local services, patronize other local businesses, and their ownership typically lives locally,” said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. “When you choose to spend at area small businesses, not only are you likely to get awesome unique items for those people on your Christ-

mas list, but you help Emporia grow.”

Locally owned businesses enhance the quality of life we all enjoy, they provide goods and services, as well as a sense of pride and belonging. From sponsoring school fundraisers to participating in holiday

events, local businesses play a crucial role in shaping our community. Supporting local businesses is a way for residents to give back to those who give so much to our city, ensuring that Emporia continues to thrive and maintain its vibrant, unique character.

Holiday baking pointers

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Baking is one tradition that comes with the holiday territory.

Many people may only bake in November and December, so it’s understandable if they’re a little rusty come the holiday season. These baking tips can lead to successful yields of cookies, cakes and other holiday treats.

Follow the recipe carefully

When cooking, it is easy to add an extra dash of this or a pinch of that. But baking is a science and the ingredients are used in a ratio to produce a desired chemical reaction while cooking. To ensure success, do not substitute ingredients unless the recipe tells you how to do so, and measure each addition carefully.

Spoon out your measurements

It can be tempting to dig a measuring cup right into a bag of flour, but scooping packs the ingredients down — potentially causing you to use more than the recipe calls for. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup gently and use a straight edge to level it out. Even better, use a scale and metric measurements to ensure exact amounts of wet and dry ingredients.

Read up on temperature

Certain ingredients, like butter and eggs, are temperature-dependent. Cold butter in biscuits

helps them to rise up flaky and delicious. Eggs brought to room temperature enable the emulsification process to work more readily. The difference in temperature can mean a completely different chemical reaction, so follow the recipe accordingly.

Calibrate the oven

Purchase an oven thermometer, set your oven to 350 F, the standard baking temperature, and see what the thermometer reads. If it is different, adjust cooking times accordingly or have the oven repaired. Cooking at the wrong temperature might mean the recipe doesn’t turn out right.

Use unsalted butter

Most recipes will call for unsalted butter so you aren’t adding unwanted sodium to the recipe, affecting dough consistency and flavor.

Flip cakes

Cool cakes upside down on a cooling rack. This will help flatten out the tops, which makes it easier to stack and level cakes for layered cakes.

Position pans centrally

Pans should be on the center rack of the oven. If the oven isn’t wide enough to put multiple pans side by side, place them on different racks and slightly offset them to enable air circulation.

Use parchment paper

This unsung hero of baking can keep cookies from spreading out on baking sheets, prevent cakes from sticking to pans and may even help batter and dough bake evenly.

A few tips can go a long way to helping holiday baking go more smoothly.

How to create a durable gingerbread house

Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can

employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

• Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

• Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glue” to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says

icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

• Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

• Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each

piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

• Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

• Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.