Currents Don’t forget to Shop Local this holiday season! Batavia is fortunate to be home to both a wide variety of businesses that can help fulfill your holiday shopping needs and a culture of supportive residents that love to patronize their local businesses. This year marks the 11th anniversary of Small Business Saturday®, which will occur on Sat., Nov. 27. According to program founder American Express, it was created to “encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses”. According to the U.S. Small Business Association, ”77% of consumers said Small Business Saturday® inspires them to ‘Shop Small’ through the year and not just for the holidays. In addition, 66% of consumers state the main reason they support small businesses is because of their contributions to the community”. The spirit of supporting Batavia small business is alive and well in our community! When you choose to shop locally you are supporting entrepreneurs and innovators in your own backyard, creating jobs and keeping resources within your community.
When you are out and about selecting that perfect decorative item, bath and body product, art or music lessons gift certificate, vintage find, book, or great clothing and accessory item for your loved ones, be sure to fuel up on all of the great coffee, tea, meal, and sweets options in town, too! And don’t forget, a picture speaks a thousand words! Your indie minded Batavia small businesses gain exposure outside of the
community when you tell a friend about your great experience in person and even on social media. Don’t be afraid to share a picture of your best finds and give your favorite local businesses a shout out by tagging them on Instagram or Facebook using hashtags such as #smallbusinesssaturday, #shopbatavia, #shoplocal, #midwestisbest, etc. Happy shopping and holidays!
FVPO has holiday gifts Looking for a holiday gift that demonstrates your love for your family, your community and your country? The Fox Valley Patriotic Organization (FVPO) has the perfect present! FVPO is selling engraved bricks that will become part of the Flag Day Monument on the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. Approximately 3/4 of the funds for the building of this monument have already been raised. It is the plan to break ground on Flag Day, June 14, 2022. The Flag Day Monument is dedicated to Dr. Bernard Cigrand, 8
a longtime dentist in Batavia who spent his life teaching others about the American flag and its history. This world-class monument will greet visitors to Batavia’s Riverwalk for decades to come. Please consider gifting a unique and long-lasting remembrance to a loved one this holiday season. There are different sizes of bricks with different amounts of letters and lines available. Prices range from $150 to $500, depending on size. Letters are lasered for clarity and endurance. FVPO is also selling a beautiful challenge coin with a picture of the monument on the red, white and blue enameled head. This would
make another outstanding gift for a loved one for only $20 per coin. Please go to flagdaymonument.com for details on how to order a brick or challenge coin. FVPO wishes all fellow Batavians a memorable holiday season, filled with love and cherished time with families and friends. May 2022 be a happy and healthy year for everyone!
