Belita’s Space – July 2024
This winter, when the Board of Directors revised the Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement, “vibrant” was an elusive aspiration during particularly dismal days for many of our businesses. The 2024 shoulder season felt distinctly discouraging and that period of time was darkened by the cloudy overwhelm of entrepreneurship.
Flash forward to the present “high season” moment for our business community and the unanticipated alignment of stars forming our current constellation of change.
The skies cleared dramatically the first week of June to reveal two huge novas: Britt’s pending homecoming to the iconic United States Hotel and the celebration of Jacksonville welcoming Rogue Ales back to its namesake valley and onto the Bigham Knoll Campus.
That same weekend, Dormouse Farm and Parkhurst collaborated for a brand-new Saturday Farmer’s Market. In May, Somar Family Vineyards opened its doors, and within weeks the Bakery at McCully House Inn debuted across the street.
The new Honey Lily Boutique had California Street abuzz, and Remotion Winery’s relocated tasting room and reimagined Orth House Inn celebrated a grand opening. Across town, 5th Street welcomed EmpowHer Women’s Health Collaborative. Simultaneously, the 12 businesses featured on the cover and in 2023’s November issue continued to shine.
The brightest stars in a constellation are called lucidae and in our Jacksonville configuration ours truly are the veteran businesses that have remained loyal and determined through the years—and for some, decades—of seasonality. It is their steady shine that guides visitors to our historic landmark town, fills our pages with life and our hearts with gratitude.
The Review encourages the community to reciprocate their loyalty and commitment by always supporting local. Show up for our family of business superstars so that regardless of the season, even when skies are cloudy, Jacksonville always remains vibrant.