Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC in July

OKC Chamber launches ‘Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC’ campaign this summer

As things appear to be returning to some sense of normalcy across Oklahoma City this summer, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is encouraging residents to take pride in their community and rally together to help OKC small businesses re-emerge out of the pandemic.

As July begins, the Chamber is once again kicking off its “Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC” campaign. With the help of OKC’s district leaders, the Chamber wants residents to give a much-needed boost to the small businesses that make the city unique.

“It is no secret that small business plays a huge role in the economic vitality for any community. In fact, statistics show the majority of new jobs are generated by small businesses. So, it is critical that we, as Oklahoma City-area residents, do what we can to help our local small businesses, especially after what they experienced and fought through during the pandemic,” said Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams.

Williams reminded Oklahoma City residents that those employed by small businesses are often people they know personally, including friends and family members.

“There are countless examples of the Oklahoma standard on display throughout Oklahoma City, and what an excellent opportunity to extend that standard to our small business owners and the people working for them, people we may personally know and care about. So, let’s do our part by joining together as a community for this worthwhile act and boost our small businesses,” said Williams, noting that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 67 cents stays in the community and directly pays for vital city services.

Directors from the city’s districts have expressed their excitement about the campaign, especially as many areas see more of their businesses begin to open. Because each director knows their district the best, each district is encouraged to promote the campaign in a way that fits their area.

The Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC campaign will coincide with a similar statewide campaign planned for the weekend of July 23-25. Developed by the Independent Shopkeepers Association, “Weekend of Local” is aimed at encouraging Oklahomans across the state to return to their local shops and restaurants to help those establishments make up for months of lost business. More than 110 businesses have signed up to participate in Weekend of Local.

ISA Executive Director Cléo Rajon said she understands fully how COVID has impacted retailers across the state, particularly mom and pop retail businesses that struggled throughout the pandemic. But through their resilience and determination, many of these businesses have worked hard to keep their doors open.

“The Weekend of Local will be a celebration of the vital role local shops and restaurants play in making our city a better place to shop, eat and play. We hope everyone joins in as we mark the start of brighter days for our small businesses and show them the support they deserve," Rajon said, adding that more details about the campaign can be found on the campaign website at weekendoflocal.com.

The Chamber will promote its Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC campaign and the various district activities on its social media accounts, which can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. People are encouraged to get downloadable social media assets, signage and more info at https://www.velocityokc.com/shopsmallforokc, use the #ShopSmallForOKC hashtag, and to follow the districts’ social media accounts as well to keep up with their activities. A complete list of the districts, their top things to do and their attractions can be found at https://www.visitokc.com/about-okc/okc-districts/.