Think Local

What is Think Local? It is a multi-media campaign designed to educate people about not only the benefits of doing business locally, but also about the profound economic impact to the local community when they do so.

We are about small business, and we are about preserving the business atmosphere that is the backbone of the American economy. Our hope is that before you make a purchase of ANY kind, you'll stop and think, "Where can I buy this locally?" Thanks for visiting, and remember to Think Local!

Why Shop Local?

With the daily bombardment of news stories about the state of the economy, it can be difficult to have a positive outlook about the situation. Many people find themselves wondering what they should do for themselves: Should they stockpile? Should they try to raise their own food? Should they get out of the market? Should they buy this or sell that? Might as well think about themselves, they reason, because they can't do anything else about it. I want to challenge the notion that there's nothing else you can do. In fact, I think there is something each of us MUST do if we are to survive, and it doesn't have anything to do with politics. It has everything to do with where you spend your money. Whether you choose to believe it or not, your hard-earned dollars, large or small, have a profound impact on the health of the local economy. By making a simple choice to shop locally, giving preference first to locally-owned businesses and Chamber member businesses, you can be a part of the solution, at least here at home. (Read More)

Mobile Gateway: We're Here to Stay

Front row (left to right): Monica Wagoner, Crystal Pratz. Back row (left to right): Todd Pickle, Albert Hamilton, and Tim Ketchum. The Mobile Gateway team is ready to help you find answers to all your cellular product and service questions. Stop by today and browse their awesome selection of cellular products!

By Michele Broxton

If you’re wondering why there’s a big, fancy AT&T corporate store in town, get ready for a story of a modern day David & Goliath. In 2003, Albert Hamilton opened Mobile Gateway on Hwy 72 in Rolla, a store that served cell phone customers with all brands of phones and all service types (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, Cingular, T-Mobile, etc.). For those of you who knew Hamilton’s dad and grandfather, you will know that Hamilton is technically Albert Hamilton III, but in his down home way, Hamilton grinned and said, “Albert Hamilton is plenty good enough for me.”

Russ and Reena's Place:

The Coolest Beer Cave in Town

Tammy Williams and Mark Williams (not pictured), owners of Russ and Rena's Place in Rolla on 6th Street, are happy to help customers with their beer, wine, gift, keg, and fine liquor selections seven days a week. You'll love the clean, bright, cheerful atmosphere and are likely to find something you're looking for!

by Michele Broxton
Liquor - you either like it or you don’t. Here’s the fact: if you’re in search of any liquor from a party keg to a fine bottle of cooking wine, Russ and Rena’s Place on 6th in Rolla is a high quality place to shop locally.

Bright colors, lots of sunshine, sparkly clean, baskets, gift items, and refrigerated coolers are words we would use to describe a gift boutique or a flower shop. Maybe it’s because owner Tammy Williams’ has experience in a flower shop that has given her a unique perspective on how to run a successful store. “We wanted everything to be bright and cheerful,” said Tammy. “We also have a drive through as an added convenience to our customers. Many people stop by for a soda, chips, something off our roller grill, or candy.” (Read More)

Miller Glass:

Good Ole Fashioned Apprenticeship; New Fangled Expertise

Sherman Widener and the Miller Glass team are ready to help you with all your window, door, awning, auto, tinting and mobile glass repair needs! Call today (573)364-3152!

By Michele Broxton

Turkey go through the windshield of your car? Call Miller Glass… they fix it fast. Call Miller Glass… they’re the folks you need to know … dootdoot doo. Call Miller Glass! If you have lived around Rolla very long, you’ve likely heard this jingle on the Radio and sang right along. Well, here’s some news: they have more than the best jingle – they have helpful services, fantastic rates, and a really cool story.

In 1952, Bill Miller and his cousin, Roland Hayes, opened the doors to Hayes and Miller Paint & Glass on Highway 63. Back then, there was no five lane highway that led to Wal-Mart. It was a dirt road were two guys decided to build their dream. “They built the business back in the day when all the phone numbers were just a four digit number,” said Sherman Widener, current owner of Miller Glass. Widener and his wife, Michelle, are both Rolla natives and firmly rooted in the community. (Read More)