Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

ISHPEMING — While the hunters are away the shoppers shall play. With the opening day of firearm deer season starting tomorrow, November 15, the official holiday shopping season on the West End also opens this week on Wednesday, Nov.18.

With our buy local theme this year “Shop Local for the Holidays,” we encourage everyone to support our local business. For every dollar spent locally, nearly two-thirds of that is re-spent locally. As it recirculates locally, the percentage goes down, but the benefits to the local economy keep rising.

So, to start things off the Ishpeming Community Events is promoting Ladies Night Out Lite on Wednesday, November 18. This will be a scaled down event compared to Ladies Night Out of the past, but participating businesses will still be offering great deals and fun happenings.

Businesses participating so far include: Main Street Antique Mall, Wilderness Sports, Carpet Specialists, Yooper Goddess, Native Nails, Main Haven Boutique, Bucks Restaurant, White Bear Maple Products, Rise UP Yoga, Rare Earth Goods and Da Yoopers Tourist Trap.

Each business will be responsible for setting their own hours and activities. We encourage everyone to follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines by staying home if sick or quarantining, wearing face coverings, social distance when possible, keep group sizes small and use hand sanitizer or wash hands frequently.

If you are not comfortable with participating in traditional holiday shopping events, there will be many more opportunities throughout the season. From all indications the trend will be for retailers to offer multiple discount days and specials. We also encourage business to be able to pivot back to curbside and delivery if needed.

Our local businesses are in need of our support more than ever. If we can keep our dollars in the local economy longer it will benefit all of us in the long run.

This is going to be a holiday season like no other we’ve experienced. During this time let’s remember what the season is about: family, community, sharing, caring and giving. In addition, let’s add patience and compassion to the list this year.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit our website at www.gincc.org, give us a call or stop in. Our hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are at times out of office on Chamber business.

Please call ahead to confirm we’ll be in office, 906-486-1111.

Editor’s note: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.