A new collective has formed in Camdenton with the goal of bolstering the local businesses of the city. Camdenton Crossroads, led by A Pinch of Happiness owner Rebecca Christiansen, held their first meeting Jan. 13, where multiple business owners on and near the Camdenton Square met to discuss the details of the groups conception.
A new collective has formed in Camdenton with the goal of bolstering the local businesses of the city. Camdenton Crossroads, led by A Pinch of Happiness owner Rebecca Christiansen, held their first meeting Jan. 13, where multiple business owners on and near the Camdenton Square met to discuss the details of the groups conception.
Christiansen describes Camdenton Crossroads as a focus group of local businesses with the objective of working together to better the business opportunities in town. With online shopping threatening local business, Christiansen says that shops need to band together and help one another grow. In the long term, she says that they hope to draw new business to Camdenton with this model.
Overall, Christiansen says the first meeting was received very positively. With around 15 businesses represented at the meeting, alongside members of the Chamber of Commerce, she says that the goals of the group were made clearly and many were happy to hear of the opportunity.
Another goal of Camdenton Crossroads is to share the message that Camdenton have fun things to do for permanent families and those visiting alike. The group is planning to host events throughout the year, including their first planned in March for St. Patrick’s Day. Christiansen says that these events will be a cooperative effort between all business members.
Rikk and Carrie Stowe, owners of Unique-A-Toke, felt the meeting was all around very positive. The two joins the group under a $125 yearly fee, which opens the business to advertising opportunities for every event held by Camdenton Crossroads.
The aspect of the group they were most excited about was the power it should give business when issued are faced with the city. Carrie said that, before, it felt impossible to make an issue heard as an individual. As a group, she believes their voice will be heard much more directly.
In the future, Christiansen wants to officially brand the group as an association within the city, as the group is currently a grassroots effort. With cooperative members of the Chamber and the city board, she is confident that this will evolve into something great for Camdenton as a whole.
“By working together, we can get a lot more accomplished. That’s out goal,” Christiansen said.
