Hoping to save as many local businesses as possible during the pandemic, chambers of commerce across Illinois are encouraging people to shop where they live. And to help, the Association of Chambers of Commerce has started a week long campaign and set up a website illinois love local dot com.
Association President Lisa Weitzel says local chambers can use the website to post lists of local businesses that are open.
"A way for us to support them by either trying to order something to be delivered, or something to be used with a curbside pickup service, or even gift certificates, if that was an option, to be used later."
150 chambers of commerce in Illinois are participating in the campaign that began last weekend and continues through this Saturday (4/18).
Weitzel says in just the first three days, the site recorded more than 1,100 visits. Surveys show small businesses are the largest employer in the state.
