On Tuesday, October 1st of this past week, our Louisville Main Street Historic District kicked off the season with “Shop Small for Fall”. This event and others like it always remind everyone that we need to keep our Main Street businesses alive.
“When you buy from a small business, you’re helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, moms and dads put food on the table.” Shop local, these are your neighbors.
Our chamber is not subsidized by the government. It is an entity that is supported by memberships and lots of Louisville Main Street Historic District activities as well as extra work raising funds, writing grants and representing the city and the entire county. So, whether you are a business located in the four-block area that is called the Louisville Main Street Historic District or have a service industry that is located in the county, or you might be a small business in many of our smaller communities, the chamber can represent you. A membership gets you on the “A” list: you, and/or your business are listed on the chamber web site. Also, when someone calls the chamber for a recommendation or information, your name and services are provided. Classes in business are provided as well as connecting with other businesses. We are all in partnership to help each other and to help make our county even better.
So, if you are not a current member, call 662-773-3921 and ask for Mrs. Amy Hillyer, our Executive Director. She will be glad to provide more information and answer any questions.
SAVE THE DATES:
November 7: Christmas Window Reveal, Louisville Main Street Historic District
November 8-9: Jingle Bell Jubilee Christmas Open House, Louisville Main Street Historic District
November 30: Shop Small, Winston County Chamber Members
October’s Featured Business: Something Special for 40 Years!
That’s right, this business has called South Columbus home for 40 years.
It was May 1984 when Jerry Donald, proud father and Louisville businessman, heard about an upcoming business opportunity for his daughters, Deborah Johnson and Cynthia Nowell. Deborah had finished college with a degree in marketing. Cynthia was finishing college with a degree in business. Best of both worlds for a retail business! Well, Mr. Donald successfully convinced his daughters that this was an opportunity for them to go out on their own and soon Something Special was running tanning bed services all day… and were they busy! They added exercise equipment and kept evolving into the very “special” shop that is known today.
One humorous story: Both Deborah and Cynthia were at market in Atlanta discussing the need to incorporate the business. They had checked and were unable to incorporate under their business name “Something Special” as someone had already taken it. They were at lunch and overheard a discussion about “daddy’s money” and it just clicked. Since their dad had started them out, their name for incorporation would be called “Daddy’s Money”. I can just imagine his hardy laugh when they returned from the market to tell him.
They started adding giftware and finally clothing, which they are known for. Their shop is like walking into an exquisite world; everything is so beautifully displayed.
While we were talking about their years on Main Street, so many names surfaced, so many old friends. And, of course, lots of talking about all the changes. One huge change in their business is that three of their daughters are working in the shop and its’ bringing a whole new dimension to their business. What joy!
So, folks, this is your invitation! On Tuesday, October 8th, Something Special will celebrate 40 years of business. There will be door prizes, refreshments and new merchandise, of course.
Both Deborah and Cynthia say, “they are blessed and thankful”. We as a community are also blessed and thankful that they are a part of our Louisville/Winston County Community.
Congratulations and we wish you another 40 years of Something Special!
