My View – December 2019/January 2020

As I write this column, the holidays are fast-approaching and our little town is being decked-out for the festivities. Before we know it, the lights and garland will be lit and hung, the giant tree on California Street will be aglow and Father Christmas will be greeting kids of all ages during the Victorian Christmas celebration. As always, shoppers from near and far will descend on our unique, family-owned shops, diners will fill the restaurants for holiday celebrations, our wine tasting rooms will take on an even merrier light and, yes, parking spaces will be harder to find.

Over the years, I’ve spilled gallons of ink discussing the virtue and economic necessity of “shopping local,” and I’m happy to say the message has been received loud and clear. Many of our local businesses are telling me that compared to last year, economic conditions have improved—a testament to those of us who support our neighbors before spending dollars outside Jacksonville or online. This year, Shop Small Saturday is on November 30, and if you haven’t yet discovered the joy of shopping in downtown and getting to know your local merchants, it’s the perfect time to do so.

I’ve also waxed on about our local volunteer base. I have the privilege of working with dozens of local business and civic leaders—all of whom have dedicated themselves to making Jacksonville a better place to live. I can’t possibly name them all here, but you know them. They’re the volunteers giving their time and talent to organizations like the Jacksonville Woodlands & Forest Park Associations, the Boosters Club, the Community Center, Historic Jacksonville Inc., the Rotary Club, Friends of the Cemetery, Britt Festivals, the Garden Club, multitudes of city committees and commissions, the City Council…and of course, the Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce, this issue is dedicated to their exceptional leader, Executive Director Tim Balfour, who’s stepping down from his post at the end of November. Tim and his husband, Gary, are relocating to Kansas to live near family. As Executive Director, Tim led a group of volunteers and took the Chamber to a new level of professionalism that’s paid big dividends for Jacksonville’s business and non-profit community. Tim was instrumental in implementing innovative marketing programs, staging Chamber events, creating the Haunted Trolley Tour…and so much more.

This holiday season, please join me in wishing Tim, Gary, and all the volunteers, the very best from Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!