Think and Shop Local This Holiday Season

Think Local First! As you know, I normally end my column here with that statement, but I wanted to emphasize that first this time around as the answer to your holiday shopping pursuits. Dutchess County features a variety of unique businesses that can provide the perfect item, whether it be a physical gift, a gift certificate for a special service, or tickets to a local event. 

Through the Chamber’s website, dcrcoc.org, you can check out our Directory of business members for ideas, as well as shopthehudsonvalley.com for special deals that our members are offering to the community. 

For Chamber members to participate in this program, simply go to the Chamber’s website at dcrcoc.org, log in to your Member Profile, click Shop the Hudson Valley Deals on the left, and click the button to add a deal at the top. Our goal is to provide our members an additional complimentary avenue to highlight their businesses both digitally and in print, not just for the holiday season, but throughout the year.
We all know this has been a challenging year for many, but with the help and support of our members, your Chamber of Commerce remains a strong advocate for business, and we’ll continue to do what we can to make the holiday season a success. 

The Think Local First campaign, of course, goes beyond shopping. The Chamber not only represents businesses in the area, but also the many nonprofits that go the extra mile to support individuals in our community. I encourage everyone to support your neighbors, nonprofits, and fellow Chamber members in whatever way you can, and encourage those close to you to do the same. 

As 2021 comes to a close, I’d like to wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year in 2022!
 
Frank M Castella, Jr. is the President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.