When lockdowns go down, screen time goes up. Social media is a powerful tool. Use your screen time to help local merchants who are struggling under the biggest challenges they have ever faced.

Normally this would be the beginning of the busiest shopping season. Parking lots, stores full to capacity with merry shoppers getting in the spirit. Sure online shopping has surged over the past several years; but today, online shopping and ordering local is more prevalent than ever. Don't just turn to Amazon for everything! Check out the online shopping resources of our local unique boutiques and shops owned by families that raise their families in our communities. Local shop owners give more, do more and engage more in our communities - now it's time to give back.

Use your screen time to enhance the visibility of our local shops and restaurants. When you are shopping or ordering online, Check-in on your social media feed and Tag that shop/restaurant; Post a photo of the meal you just ordered or the special purchase you just made; Like the pages of your favorite local merchants; Share their posts with your friends; Comment on their pages; Help small business expand their reach!

BACC also offers several opportunities to promote your business. Send your news, specials, events and activities to Jill Minner, Marketing Manager, for our BACC Member News emailed on Thursdays. Join our Facebook group pages - Barrington Area Take-Out, Delivery and Shop Small to promote your business; and Barrington Area Business Forum to consult, share and learn from other business owners. When you post, BACC often Shares on our Chamber Facebook page. If you haven't Liked our BACC page - do it now!

This week as we celebrate the holiday and all that we are thankful for, show the world you are thankful for the small merchants and local chefs who define the character of our communities. Shop local, support local, dine local, be thankful for local. Really, supporting our small businesses is as easy as pie!

-- Suzanne Corr, BACC President/CEO

A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate our Holiday Window Displays, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:00 pm on Cook St. in downtown Barrington! This event will kick off all of the fun festive holiday events that will make Barrington a destination for holiday cheer this season and support local businesses. To view a video of artists creating a Barrington Holiday Window CLICK HERE

Please show your support by viewing and sharing our BACC videos, which will be posted on the BACC website and social media pages. To view Chamber videos just click on the Facebook, Instagram and YouTube icons shown here.

·        Use BACC resources to expand their presence

·        Market their products, services and events

·        Network to build relationships

Buy your tickets today for the Barrington Holiday Walk on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 12:00-5:00 pm. Plan to spend the day "Just Elfing Around" as you shop, stroll and be merry! Get in the spirit with live holiday music and enjoy hot cocoa or coffee while touring the window displays created by our merchants and local artists with the "Just Elfing Around Barrington" theme. The $25 ticket includes: Free Metallic Shopping Bag, Complimentary Coffee/Hot Chocolate Coupon, Shopping Coupons for multiple merchant specials and more! Enter for a chance to win a $100 bill and gift certificates to local merchants. Winners will be announced during the event!

Join us for a FREE Virtual Sip & Shop Hop on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 4:00 pm. Grab your favorite happy hour beverage or holiday cocktail and join us as we network with fellow members, explore local boutiques, and discover some great gift ideas. It's a great way to support local and finish your holiday list! This is a FREE event, but registration is required, so please sign up today to receive your link!

Mark your calendar for the BACC Virtual Awards and Silent Auction on Thursday, Jan. 28 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm! We will celebrate our Conquer Award Recipients, meet the 2021 BACC Board and Diplomats, and bid for a wonderful array of silent auction items to benefit BACC programs and our Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarships.

Online bidding for the Virtual Silent Auction starts Jan. 18 and closes at 8:00 pm on Jan. 28. Winning bids can be picked up curbside at the Chamber office: 190 E. James St. in Barrington.

There is still time to cast your vote for the BACC Conquer Awards! Nominate a BACC member business that has set the bar for resilience, creativity and perseverance to succeed during the pandemic!

Donate an item to the BACC Conquer Awards Silent Auction and promote your business to hundreds! Auction proceeds fund BACC programs for members and our Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarships. The Scholarship Fund has provided thousands of dollars in scholarship monies to local students who go on to attend universities, community college, or an accredited certification program that build future careers. Please consider offering your support. Donation items must be dropped off to the BACC offices by Jan. 4.

"Just Elfing Around" Barrington Holiday Windows

ComEd announced a new bill-assistance program to help eligible small businesses facing financial difficulties. ComEd’s Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small-business customers that are past due on their energy bills with a one-time grant equal to 30% of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000) for a limited time. Customers whose electric service has not been disconnected can then set up their remaining balance due on a payment plan of up to six months. To learn more call (877) 426-6331 or CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery: Small Business Assistance Program is designed to help small businesses through the pandemic, offering: Optional educational webinars to assist small businesses in repositioning their business towards recovery; One-on-one business advising to help small businesses address their unique needs; Standardized curriculum, intake, and other impact measurement tools to ensure continuous program improvement and consistent impact reporting and accountability; and Cook County Recovery grants of up to $10,000 for businesses that have seen losses due to COVID-19 in suburban and unincorporated Cook County. Click here for details.

211 Social Services Phone Line 

2020 BACC Chairman Circle Advantage Members!