We’re officially headed into small business season, the stretch where every purchase feels like it matters a little more. Around here, it does. When we say #ChooseHumboldt, we’re not asking you to spend more – we’re asking all of us to spend closer. To be intentional. To give our neighbors the first shot.

Here’s the honest part: sometimes it’s hard to find exactly what you need locally. Inventory isn’t endless. Hours are tight. Websites aren’t always perfect. I get it. But this is where focus and collaboration can close the gap.

For shoppers:

• Start with a quick local check: call, DM, or comment on socials “Anyone have ____ in stock today?” You’ll be amazed at how fast our community answers.
  
• Be flexible on brand or color when you can. A small pivot keeps your dollars nearby and your timeline intact. (I have a teenager, I know this is hard. But, it is also our opportunity to teach that there is more to life than instant gratification.)
  
• Share your finds. A simple post—“Found the perfect _______ at [Local Business]!”—moves people faster than any ad. (bonus if you add a picture and tag that local business)
  

For local businesses:

• Make buying simple: post today’s hours, what’s in stock, and how to order—phone, DM, curbside, gift wrap, delivery windows.
• Keep your info up to date on Google, Instagram, Facebook (these are the three TOP places people look to get info on stores they want to shop)
  
• Team up and Collaborate: pair products with a neighbor (coffee + candle, board game + bakery box, tools + hardware gift card). Shared displays and bundles really work.
  
• Boost each other. If you don’t have it, point to the shop that does – and tag them. We keep customers in Humboldt by keeping them informed.
  

For all of us:

• Plan ahead – be willing to call around and ASK for what you need!
  
• Use #ChooseHumboldt so we can reshare quickly. The hashtag is our bat signal.
  
• Give grace. If something’s out of stock, ask for the next shipment date or an alternative. Most of the time, there is a path.
  

Why this matters now:
When dollars circulate locally, they pay for part-time jobs, sponsor youth teams, fund those Friday night lights, and underwrite the music you love at Pierson Park. They also keep storefronts filled and sidewalks lively in the rainiest months of the year. It’s not abstract; it’s the difference between “for lease” and “see you tomorrow.”

How the Chamber will help:

We’ll be the connector. Watch our socials for regular “Who’s Got What” posts and story shares, and quick-turn shoutouts when items land. Hosting a pop-up? Tell us -we’ll amplify. Trying a bundle with a neighbor? We’ll share it. If you’re hunting for something specific, message us and we’ll crowdsource leads.

Small business season isn’t about perfection. It’s about choosing nearby first, collaborating across storefronts, and making it easier to say “yes” to local. Let’s kick it off together—one practical swap, one shared post, one neighborly handoff at a time.

Tag your finds and collabs: #ChooseHumboldt #SupportLocal #McKinleyvilleCA

And if you’re a member planning a holiday pairing or pop-up, loop us in—we’ll help spread the word.