Ennis Business Directory 2023

&SERVICE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Unique reasons to shop at small businesses

The numbers don’t lie. Locally owned businesses may be classified as “small,” but they have a big impact on the national economy.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics report, small businesses created 10.5 million net new jobs between 2000 and 2019, accounting for 65.1 percent of net new jobs created since 2000 in the United States. The Government of Canada reports that the number of small businesses in Canada in 2020 was far greater than the number of medium and large businesses, accounting for 97.9 percent of all the businesses in the country.

Supporting locally owned businesses is a great way to support a neighbor, but that’s not the only attraction. Here are several reasons to shop small.

The feel-good factor

Doing for others certainly has an impact on the person on the receiving end, but also benefits the do-gooders. A November 2020 survey by Union Bank found that 72 percent of Americans said supporting small businesses was more important than getting the best deals. That may be due to the feeling of helping out a fellow neighbor.

Create job opportunities

Shopping at small businesses keeps those establishments afloat, and it also keeps their employees afloat. Small businesses are the largest employers in the United States. That’s also true in Canada, where 68.8 percent of the total labor force works for a small business. A person may never know when he or she — or a relative — will need a job. Keeping small businesses viable provides a strong job market for locals.

Keep more money in the community

The Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. Spend the same $100 at a national retailer and only $14 stays.

Enjoy a more local flavor

National retailers and other businesses follow a global business model that may not allow for much customization, but small businesses can provide products or services that relate directly to the needs of the communities they serve. These same small businesses also may be more inclined to work with local vendors and start-ups than national companies that have global supply chains.

These are just a few of the many reasons to seek out small businesses when in need of products or services.

BOUTIQUE / SHOPPING

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE / THRIFT STORE

Insurance protection for emergency situations

Emergencies, especially storms, can be unpredictable and cause personal injury and costly damage to homes. The right insurance is essential to help mitigate damage from storms and soften the financial blow that such destruction can cause. Not all insurance is the same, and additional policies and riders may help reduce the impact of emergencies.

Homeowners insurance

Standard homeowners insurance policies will cover a wide range of issues. American Family Insurance says damage from wildfires, wind storms, tornadoes, ice storms, lightning strikes, hail, power surges, and fallen trees is included. But additional coverage may be needed to cover excessive damage.

Matching siding coverage

Some homeowners may want to replace all of the siding on their homes if parts are damaged and color or siding materials cannot be matched exactly by patching up damaged areas.

Roof replacement insurance

This insurance will be used to pay for the full replacement of a roof, minus the deductible, which may differ from what’s covered through standard homeowners policies.

Sump pump overflow insurance

Sump pumps are designed to engage and pump water out of basements and crawl spaces, helping to avoid flooding in the home. If the power goes out and the sump pump cannot work, or if the sump pump fails, homeowners typically are not covered for any ensuing damage. Sump pump overflow insurance provides additional peace of mind and protection.

Flood insurance

Homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage, especially if a home is in a flood zone. Flood insurance can bridge the gap of coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program offers building coverage and contents coverage policies. Building coverage will cover carpeting, electrical and plumbing systems, window blinds, foundation walls, and more. Contents coverage protects curtains, personal clothing and furniture, artwork, and appliances, among other things.

Umbrella insurance

According to Geico, umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection that goes beyond limitations and coverage of other policies. It can offer coverage for injuries to people staying at your house or renting your property, property damage, personal liability, and certain lawsuits.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance protects renters, yet the Independent Insurance

Adjusters & Brokers of America says almost two-thirds of residential lessees in the United States do not carry renters insurance. Renters insurance can protect belongings destroyed in a fire or weather event; provide assistance should someone be injured in your apartment; or it can protect you if you were found legally responsible for damages to someone’s property, according to State Farm Insurance.

Our city is home to several helpful and reliable insurance agents, some of whom are listed on page 9 of this directory.

What dental hygiene does for overall health

Brushing and flossing your teeth may save you extra sessions in the dentist’s chair each year, but the benefits of dental hygiene do not end with pearly whites. In fact, there’s a direct correlation between oral hygiene and overall health.

Oral health offers clues about overall health, advises the Mayo Clinic. When a dentist or hygienist checks a person’s mouth, he or she is getting a window into that person’s overall wellness — including if something is amiss. Dental hygiene matters because, without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth can grow unchecked. Over time, that bacteria can infiltrate and break down the soft tissues in the gums and teeth, eventually leading to decay and gum disease. Greenwood Dental Care in Illinois states that the bacteria from the mouth could travel into the bloodstream and elsewhere, causing a host of issues. There’s a high correlation between an unhealthy mouth and systemic diseases. The United Kingdom-based dental group Fulham Road Dental indicates that gum disease is linked to heart problems, kidney diseases and certain types of cancer. Dentists who notice problems in their patients’ mouths may be able to predict potential illnesses elsewhere in the body, advising those patients to seek consultations with other healthcare providers. Here’s a deeper look at some of the correlations between oral health and overall health, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.

• Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from the mouth or another part of the body spread through the bloodstream, they can attach to certain areas of the heart. This causes an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.

• Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

• Cardiovascular disease: While it’s not fully understood why, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease may be linked to inflammation and infection caused by oral bacteria.

• Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth may be pulled into the lungs, where it can lead to respiratory illness, such as pneumonia. It’s a two-way street with health and the mouth. Certain diseases can lead to issues in the mouth. HIV/AIDS may cause mucosal lesions in the mouth; those with osteoporosis may have weakened periodontal bone and tooth loss; and research has shown that diabetes puts gum health at risk.

Different types of lodging accommodations

When seeking accommodations for vacations or business trips, travelers have a number of lodging options to choose from. Choosing the right accommodation in any given situation involves understanding the differences between your options.

Motel

Motels are budget-friendly options geared toward motorists. As the American highway system was developed in the early twentieth century, motels fulfilled the cross-country traveler’s need for roadside stops. In fact, the “mo” in “motel” refers to “motor.” Motels are built for short stays, and tend to have rooms that open up into parking lots for ease of use.

Hotel

Hotels cater to people who will be staying a few nights. They often feature spacious lobbies and some amenities, such as swimming pools or exercise rooms. Some hotels have restaurants attached to them. Hotels are among the most popular accommodations. According to the travel resource Dauntless Jaunter, hotels are categorized according to a “star” rating system.

• 1-star: This is a bare essentials hotel that offers just the basics with no extra bells and whistles.

• 2-star: A two-star hotel is usually reasonably priced and has minimal services and amenities and a neutral decor.

• 3-star: This hotel is meant to offer an above-average stay as far as options and amenities. Modern conveniences can be expected at three-star properties.

• 4- and 5-star: These hotels offer deluxe service and guests can expect luxury amenities and a wide range of offerings at these properties. However, they also can expect to pay more for accommodations.

Extended stay/efficiency suites

Extended stay properties offer competitive rates for travelers who will need to remain at the hotel for a longer period of time than the average trip or desire more room. Extended stay rooms and efficiency suites are large and have features like small apartments, including kitchenettes and living areas.

Hostel

Hostels are geared toward the traveler who needs a place to stay on a limited budget. Hostels often offer communal accommodations with shared rooms and bathroom facilities at very low costs, according to the hospitality resource Professional Connector.

Bed and breakfast

Bed and breakfast establishments typically are converted family homes or large guest houses that feature a number of bedrooms. Owners rent the rooms to guests, who eat breakfast in the dining room, sometimes alongside other guests. It’s a communal experience and one that lends a more family feel to traveling.

Inn

Inns usually are smaller than chain hotels, and tend to be family-owned. They offer charm and cozy appeal to guests, but that may come at the expense of in-room amenities.

Airbnb

A relative newcomer to the accommodations arena, an Airbnb is a residental property that hosts renters, often on a short-term basis. These may be private apartments, condos, homes, or vacation properties that owners temporarily sublet to travelers. While Airbnb is the name of a registered rental marketplace company (airbnb.com), the term often is used for any property that follows the same model, including options from companies like VRBO and HomeAway. Airbnb is an abbreviation that stands for “air mattress bed and breakfast.”

10 ways to support local businesses

Small businesses are the lifeblood of many communities. In the United States and Canada, the majority of businesses in operation are classified as small businesses, according to data from the Small Business Administration and Statistics Canada.

Consumers can express their appreciation for the small businesses in their communities in various ways.

1. Create a guide to local small businesses and share it with other people from the community who have like-minded interests.

2. Shop at small businesses regularly.

3. Use social media to give your recommendations on small businesses that go above and beyond in quality and service.

4. Speak with business owners about your experience as a customer, sharing insight about both good and bad experiences.

5. Encourage your family or friends to make small business shopping a larger part of their overall spending plan.

6. Think of small business sponsorships when putting together school- or clubbased fundraisers.

7. Host a meet-and-greet event for various small business owners.

8. If you own a small business, keep business cards, flyers or a sign advertising another small business in the area to show mutual support.

9. Invite small business owners to community activity centers, nursing homes, schools, and the like to share their experiences about starting a business in the area.

10. Participate in community events that may be sponsored by small business owners.

January 24

January 28

February 5

February 9-11

February 11

February 17

February 18

March 4

March 25

April 1

April 1-30

April 14-16

April 21

May 7

May 26-28

June 10

June 24

July 14-15

October 27-29

November 30

Bi-Monthly Monthly

2023CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Ellis County Museum Evening at The Vine, 119 S. Dallas St., 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Live Music at The Backyard Food Truck Park, 115 SW Main St., 5:30pm

Sips & Tiny Art at Sugar Ridge Winery, 353 Sugar Ridge Rd., 4pm Texas State Championships at Big O Speedway, 3118 FM 85

Beads & Bling Mardi Gras Dinner & Auction, SPJST 1901 E. Ennis Ave.

Polka Pre-Party at SOKOL, 2622 Hwy 34, 5pm

Ennis Czech Music Festival, www.czechmusicfestival.com

Annual 10K Building Fund Benefit, SOKOL, 2622 Hwy 34, 6pm

Shilen Rifles Swap Meet, 2501 I-45, 8am - 2pm

Don’t Mess With Texas Trash Off, www.keepennisbeautiful.com

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, www.visitennis.org

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, www.visitennis.org

Bling Bang Bash Designer Bag Bingo & Gun Raffle, SOKOL, 2622 Hwy 34, 6pm - 10pm

Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration, www.visitennis.org

National Polka Festival, www.nationalpolkafestival.com

Blues on Main, www.visitennis.org

Ennis Freedom Fest, www.visitennis.org

Ellis County Creative Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show, Location TBA

Ennis Autumn Daze, www.visitennis.org

Lights of Ennis Parade & Block Party, www.visitennis.org

Live Theatre at Ennis Public Theatre, www.ennispublictheatre.com

Live Theatre at Theatre Rocks!, www.theatrerocks.com

Environmental Events/Bio-Tourism, www.keepennisbeautiful.com

• The City of Ennis Calendar of Events is updated weekly and subject to change.

• Please confirm event details before driving long distances.

• Follow Visit Ennis, Texas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Follow Downtown Ennis TX on Facebook and Instagram. • Download the mobile app Ennis Y’all • www.VisitEnnis.org

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