Shop at our local retail businesses and while your at it, grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of our delicious restaurants this year

Research shows, For every $100 spent locally, $68 of it stays local.

There is nothing more convenient than whipping out your phone, typing in a URL (or opening an app), perusing offerings, and hitting a few buttons to buy something…anything…everything. We even get our groceries that way these days. But as convenient as online shopping seems, there are several reasons to shop local.

In person is the way to go this Small Business Season. If you can suspend disbelief for a few minutes, we’ll explain why.

Our Favorite Reasons to Shop Local During Small Business Season

Yes, online shopping is convenient. You don’t have to change out of your PJs and it’s always open. But in the t-chart of holiday shopping options, there are a lot of reasons to shop local.

Here are a few of our favorites:

You’re supporting your neighbors.

When you support Small Business Season and shop local, you are supporting your neighbors and they are more likely, in turn, to keep the money you spent with them local as well (for every $100 spent locally, $68 of it stays local).

You are able to get in-person advice.

Not sure of the right size, color, or other option? Maybe you want to buy something but don’t know what else you need to make that purchase complete (like buying a fishing rod without any hooks or lures). An in-person shopping experience can help you straighten out the choices. Small business owners offer complete information and suggestions and you can ask questions about those suggestions. Doing that via chat online can be cumbersome and delayed as they are answering questions from several other shoppers at the same time.

You know what you’re getting.

Have you ever ordered something online only to be disappointed when it arrives? Maybe it’s smaller than you thought or the color is just too much. Online images can be very hard to discern. (Remember that dress a few years back? What color was that any way?) If you don’t read the description carefully, your item may be smaller (or larger) than expected and may not include things you had assumed came with it. Even when you do read the description, some items are sized differently or have unexpected variations. Don’t even get us started on what happens then.

For every $100 spent locally, $68 of it stays local.

Local yields easier returns.

Even though you have a clear understanding of what you’re buying when you buy in person, sometimes you need to return your purchase. When you do, it’s easier to do it locally than to send something back to an online store. Between paying for shipping to going to the post office and insuring it, bringing it back to a local business is generally easier than online returns.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

If you’re not satisfied with what you purchased, but it’s not something you can bring back (like a service or a food item), you know how to get in touch with the local provider. Some online sellers make it impossible to speak to a human. Try arguing your point with AI that uses keywords and automated language responses. Talking to the local business owner is much easier and they may be able to suggest something that is more along the lines of what you’re looking for.

Local shopping becomes an experience.

Yes, online shopping is quick, but you also have no memory of doing it. This can lead to overbuying. How many times during the holiday do you come home to find a package on your door step and you can’t remember what you purchased? You’ll remember when you go out. Plus, when you shop in-person or local, you can invite friends, family, or just make a pleasurable outing for yourself. This creates appealing memories of a wonderful seasonal experience.

It brings on the holiday spirit.

When you are out among the sounds and smells of the holiday, it brightens your mood. Who doesn’t love sparkling lights, glitter, snow (real or fake), and all of the happy tunes of the season? It’s hard to get those same smiles shopping online.

You may miss the best things when you only go online.

When you shop online, you do a few searches for things you are looking for. You are less apt to stumble across the perfect gift or item because you are on a targeted mission and only see what the online store presents. When you’re shopping in person, there are a lot of serendipitous moments where something catches your eye and you walk out knowing you found a treasure.

You meet and interact with people.

When you shop in-person, you meet and interact with people. We have been sequestered long enough. There’s something to be said from those chance meetings that occur when walking around town. Who knows–you could meet your next business partner or a former friend. From the warm smile of the business owner to a suggestion, compliment, or affirmation you receive from a fellow shopper, there are many times when these sorts of introductions can be very helpful.

You’ll receive better reviews.

Sure, online reviews are helpful but so are reviews from people around you. Plus, people you meet in person who are commenting on what you’re buying have a personal connection. They are vouching for the item or dish face-to-face. If you have questions about what they’re saying, you can ask. Online reviews are one-sided with very little chance for follow-up from the original poster.

No worries about delivery this small business season when shopping local.

With ports backed up and short-staffing throughout the supply chain, there’s a lot of talk about potential delivery delays this holiday. If you shop in-person, you won’t need to worry about this.

In-person shopping is perfect for procrastinators.

Sure, there are some online mega retailers who can get an item to you same day depending on where you live, but most times–especially as we get closer to the actual holiday–your best bet for last-minute gifts is a local shop. If you’re a procrastinator, feel free to take this reason to shop local as permission. You’ll feel less stressed about waiting , plus you won’t be depending on someone else’s delivery schedule.

Displays help you visualize.

Store displays are better than “you might also like” options in online stores. After all, the online suggestions are based on the buying patterns of others or using products the online retailer links together. Store displays are created (and stores are arranged) to help you find what you need and want. Collections are curated with the shopper in mind. You may find a lot of treasurers browsing that way.

Window shopping can lead to ideas.

When you shop in-person around the holidays you’ll be treated to beautiful window and decoration displays. These could inspire your holiday home décor or help you figure out something for your hard-to-buy-for aunt. A display may also draw you into trying a new business that you hadn’t noticed before. There are so many serendipitous possibilities when shopping in-person this Small Business Season.

You could find your next job.

If you shop in-person, you’ll quickly realize how many businesses are hiring. Who knows. You might decide to work at your favorite shop over the holidays.

One’s couch has never been the setting for a Hallmark holiday movie but Main Street certainly has.

And we all love those movies, don’t we?

We aren’t telling you to never shop online again. Online shopping is simply too convenient and there are many times when you can get things delivered online faster than you are able to clear your schedule and shop in-person. There are also many local sellers that have an online presence so you can buy online and still “shop local.”

Still, there are several reasons to shop local, including the ability to spread some holiday cheer to your local businesses this Small Business Season.

Those business owners would just love to see your smiling face and the serious ones of Mr. Jackson, Hamilton, and Washington.

This Small Business Season, let’s give local and small businesses something to be thankful for.

Let’s give them the gift of our support.

By: Christina Metcalf

The post 16 Reasons to Shop Local Instead of Online appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

We may be new to this community, but this community is not new to us. We know the people, businesses, backroads, and hidden gems of the Valley thanks to the decades spent living and working in the community. That’s why we are beyond excited to be the newest addition to the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and to have our offices here in the region that raised us. 

SWAE is a skunkworks and exploration company focused on innovation in the automotive, apparel, and material science spaces. In pursuing our passion for innovation, we hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and seek out their own passions as well. With a motto of “lift all boats,” we work with companies and individuals to help them achieve their dreams and further their lives, careers, and interests.

We get asked a lot, “what is SWAE?” And typically, our answers lack the shine and polish you’d expect from a member of this chamber. The simple answer is that we are a brand that produces content, product, and projects for people to follow, buy, and experience – but we are also so much more. We are a skunkworks first and foremost, which means we dabble in cutting-edge technologies and innovations. But it also means that we retain the freedom to allow our varied interests to guide us in the projects we take on.

One day we may be working on custom supercars – The next, robotics and 3D printing. Last month we may have explored the capabilities of experimental fabrics in constructing the most water-resistant jacket possible. This month we are considering how to create a new kind of digital experience that can free people from the tethers of social media. Throughout it all, we seek out partners and followers that want to join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

SWAE was started in the Flathead Valley and is proud to have constructed our first research and development facility in Columbia Falls. Many of our members grew up here in the Valley, and as locals, we are excited to invest back into the community with the hope of creating opportunities for both people and industry. By establishing a strong community, diverse industry, and competitive workforce here at home, we hope to see the region continue to flourish.

In line with our mission to “lift all boats,” we believe that as the region grows and succeeds, so do we. The more businesses and industries that thrive here, the more partners we have to collaborate with and explore new opportunities. With that comes a more significant and more qualified labor force, which we hope to contribute to by attracting technical, skilled, and creative talent.

The truth, however, is that we will never be able to bring in enough outside talent to achieve all we hope to do and that imported resources are often not the most effective solution. It’s critical then that we invest in the people who already live here to help them achieve the skills and qualifications needed to have the workforce the community deserves. We need to invest locally to grow talent and opportunity in the Valley to ensure that our best and brightest can thrive here at home.

Already, we have plans to work with the local community colleges and high schools to identify students interested in web development, robotics, engineering, and mechanics to provide opportunities for them to learn alongside us. Likewise, we hope to partner with like-minded businesses to help them grow by exploring innovations within their own sectors. As SWAE continues to grow, we will continue to sow deeper roots in the community and encourage you all to reach out to us with any ideas on how we can work together.

We are still a young startup, but we are proud to share the projects we have in the works. We have completed several eye-catching vehicles you may have seen driving around the Valley, but the most noticeable is likely our three 14,000 square foot shops off of Highway 2 in Columbia Falls. We recently completed work on the first building, which will house the SWAE research and development facility, and we are near completion of the second. That building will be home to our partner company 12ozProphet Collective, a screen printing and brand consultancy studio capable of producing some of the highest quality apparel and printing in the United States.

While these facilities will typically be closed to the public, please feel free to reach out anytime, and we would be happy to give you a private tour as members of the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. We are proud to be members of this community and hope to work with you on many projects and initiatives in the years to come.

Written By: SWAE

The post “A rising tide lifts all boats” – Meet SWAE appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Current Committees:

• Education Committee: Columbia Falls Area Chamber volunteers and school district 6 staff members work together to connect students with our local business community. Done through business education, career day and job fair.
• Membership Committee: Active committee that works to enhance member benefits, outreach and member retention.
• Marketing Committee: Assists with Chamber marketing materials and online presence.
• Events Committee: Helps plan and execute Chamber events, including 3 on 3 Basketball, 12 Days of Christmas, Columbia Falls Food Drive, Drive In Movies, and more.
• Ambassador Program: Active group of volunteers who help connect the Chamber and to it’s members through active outreach and volunteering at Chamber events and networking.
• Economic Development Committee: Group that meets monthly to discuss local happenings in our community that impact economic development. Assist with scheduling speakers and topics for the monthly meeting.

Committees typically meet 1x/month for one hour. Sometimes action items are worked on or completed in between meetings. Must be a current member of the Columbia Falls Area Chamber to be on a committee.

Contact us today for additional information.

director@columbiafallschamber.org, 406-892-2072

The post Chamber Committees – Get Involved! appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

 The Columbia Falls 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held  Saturday, July 31^st 2021 on 4^th Ave West in Columbia Falls. (On street in front of Glacier Gateway Elementary and Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country)–

One important change is the tournament is going to be hosted the Saturday AFTER Heritage Days. While we may have a new date and new location, the integrity, structure, and organizers of this event have remained the same.  We look forward to watching you play again this year! As in previous years, the Columbia Falls Area Chamber and the 3 on 3 sub committee are working to create a tournament that grows in professionalism, size and enjoyment each year.

Team brackets range from 5^th grade to adult. Registrations are due by July 21^st, 2021. Only $100/team which includes a two-game minimum and a tournament shirt.   Visit https://www.columbiafallschamber.org/3-3-basketball-tournament/ to sign your team up online.

If you would like more information about the Columbia Falls 3 on 3 Tournament, please contact Laura Gadwa, Executive Director at 406-892-2072 or director@columbiafallschamber.org.

Thank you to our main tournament sponsors:

Thank you to our event sponsors:

• Whitefish Credit Union
• Schellinger Construction
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Freedom Bank
• Outlaw Diner
• Buffington Dental
• Nite Owl/Back Room Restaurants
• Flathead Electric Company
• Glacier Bank
• Flathead Electric Company
• Montana Creative
• LHC Inc
• Montana Sky Insurance
• Mountain Physical Therapy and Fitness Center
• Professional Therapy Associates
• North Valley Physical Therapy
• Lyle Mitchell State Farm Insurance
• F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber
• Backslope Brewing
• Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to foster and promote the prosperity and growth of its members and the civic, commercial, industrial and agricultural interests of the community in a way which maintains a small town, family oriented character.

The post Columbia Falls 3 on 3 Basketball appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Start with a stop at the Glacier View/Hungry Horse Forest Service Office. There you will find information on everything to do with our local and national forests. They even have information for kids to understand plus you are able to purchase maps, books etc.

Now with your map in hand head towards Hungry Horse Dam, about 1 mile you’ll find the cutest little lake, Lion Lake is about 35 acres and nestled among the trees. Easy access. There is a great beach with bathrooms and a picnic area. This is the perfect place to play with those water toys and have an afternoon picnic.

Then off to Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir. Here you are able to look down over this massive concrete structure and experience the flow of water below. On the other side is the reservoir. At this time, you can choose to continue across the dam and along the reservoir. There are several campgrounds available for recreation. 

Now as you head home make sure you stop in Hungry Horse for a famous Huckleberry Ice Cream cone or maybe a piece of pie at the Huckleberry Patch. Either way you can’t go wrong. As you head west towards Columbia Falls experience the breathtaking sunsets over the Flathead River.

The post Where to Wander Wednesday appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The post January-February Chamber News appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The post November-December Chamber Newsletter appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The post September-October 2019 Chamber News appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Phone: 406-897-2820, Address: 624 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Gunsight Saloon to our Chamber family in August 2019. If your business is interested in joining the Chamber, please visit https://www.columbiafallschamber.org/join-our-chamber-memb…/ for an online application and benefit information. Don’t wait. Someday is today!

The post Meet the Gunsight Saloon appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The interior of the Outlaw Diner is decorated with cute stools and family sized tables. The friendly staff and “outlaw” atmosphere make you feel at home! Whether you live in Columbia Falls or are just visiting, be sure to add the Outlaw Diner to your “must eat at” list.

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Outlaw Diner to our Chamber family in August 2019. If your business is interested in joining the Chamber, please visit https://www.columbiafallschamber.org/join-our-chamber-membership-application/

Outlaw Diner Contact Information:

Phone: 406-897-2666

Email

Address: 420 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls MT

The post Meet the Outlaw Diner appeared first on Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.