![River Bend Growth Association Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for Hibbett Sports [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307911_0_2302jpg.jpg)
The areas sporting goods market just got more competitive with the Grand Opening ofHibbett SportsinAlton Square Mall. Surrounded byRiver Bend Growth AssociationAmbassadors, Altons Mayor Brant Walker and Mall General Manager Lori Ehlers, Joell Aquirre, Director of Member Services, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the new business to the river bend area. Hibbett Sports is headquartered in Alabama and has found their niche in operating in small and mid-sized markets. The new Alton Square Mall store, brings the number of Hibbett stores operating in the US to around 1,000.Cutting the ribbon was Josh Sanders, District Sales Manager along with Store Manager Mel Mecagni.Store Hours:Monday Saturday: 10:00 to 9:00pmSunday: 12:00 to 6:00pm
![Our Daily Show New Year! Ft. Just Right Organizing, Small Business Development Center, and More! [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307906_0_6540jpg.jpg)
WE ARE IN BUSINESS on a New Year Monday Morning in the Heart of the Riverbend! We are kicking 2024 off with Kalli Erwin and Just Right Organizing! Kalli will be filling us in on great tips for a New Year’s Resolution for many… getting organized! Kalli breaks it down into 4 simple and bennificial steps that are sure to put us on the best foot forward! PLUS she also fills us in on ways we can utilize her services to get the extra help we need! Then we replay our last replay interviews of the year, with EJ Snyder and our conversation with Dave and Marla Thomas! We wrap up our Monday withJo Ann May and the Illinois Small Business Development Center of the Metro-East at SIUE!With so many having ideas to start that next chapter with their own small business, Jo Ann will fill us in on how theIllinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE can help anyone start that journey on the best step forward, and the many resources they have available!
![SIUE Credit Union | RiverBender.com [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307901_0_3104jpg.jpg)
For nearly 60 years, SIUE Credit Union has played an important role in the Edwardsville areas academic community. As a not-for-profit credit union, our goal is not to increase revenue, but to save you money. With higher returns on savings, lower rates, and fewer fees than a typical bank, youll find SIUE Credit Union goes beyond what most financial institutions can provide. Call, stop by, or visit SIUECU.org for your checking, loans, or any of your financial needs.
![RBGA Small Business of the Month: Mid America Audiology Group [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307899_0_2258jpg.jpg)
The RiverBend Growth Association selects a small business to honor each month. Winners are selected based on a scoring system that awards points for number of years in business, number of employees, overcoming adversity and community service. For more information about Mid America Audiology Group, contact them at 618-462-7900.The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities knows as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, please visitwww.growthassociation.comor call (618) 467-2280.
![RBGA Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Heights Finance Corporation [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307896_0_2524jpg.jpg)
The River Bend Growth Association (RBGA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for one of Alton’s newest businesses, the Heights Finance Corporation. Heights Finance provides loans and financing services. They are located at228 Regional Dr, Alton, IL 62002 and are open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
![Country Financial – Jeff Lauritzen, RiverBend Growth Associations September 2018 Small Business of the Month [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307893_0_3398jpg.jpg)
On Tuesday September 11, the Riverbend Growth Association named Country Financial – Jeff Lauritzen September 2018 Small Business of the Month. Jeff uses his expertise to assist his clients in three areas:Insurance: Auto, Home, Business and LifeFinancial Planning: Retirement and InvestmentsEducation FundingJeffs philosophy that, to solve the big challenges of tomorrow, start with simple steps today, proves helpful to those who started planning their retirement early in life or started their retirement planning late in life (or not at all).Jeffs office is conveniently located at 3001 Godfrey Road in Godfrey, call for a consult; youll find Jeff thoughtful and considerate in understanding your needs and desires, and principled in advising on how to achieve your goals.Watch as Riverbend Growth Association Director of Member Services, Trish Holmes, and the Chair of RBGAs Small Business of the Month Committee, Amy Schaake-Smith congratulate Jeff Lauritzen, Financial Representative, for Country Financial on being named September 2018 Small Business of the Month.Country Financial – Jeff Lauritzen 3001 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035 618-466-2128 Jeff.Lauritzen@countryfinancial.com
![Men of the River Bend Bachelor Auction [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307890_0_2417jpg.jpg)
Prizes, from various businesses, were respresented by local bachelors and raffled off to bidders who filled the RiverBender Community Center to participate in the Men of the River Bend Bachelor Auction. Each winning bidder recieved a prize donated from a local business and all the proceeds went to funding the RiverBender Community Center.We would like to thank all the sponsors who helped to make this event a success:Mac’s Time Out DowntownThe Sports AcademyPBR St. LouisAlton Sports TapBull N’ Bear Grill & BarThe Alton Area Photography GroupNautilus Fitness CenterHollow Wear Authentic ApparelThe Loading Dock Bar & GrillEdison’s Entertainment ComplexFirehouseGentelin’s on BroadwayGrafton Harbor River CruisesMorrison’s Irish PubDJ’s KRAZY KRUIZES…. and many more!
![RBGA Awards Alton Marina September’s Small Business of the Month [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307887_0_2797jpg.jpg)
The Alton Marina located at 1 Henry Street in Alton was selected as the Riverbend Growth Associations Small Business of the month for September 2016. In addition to a sign designating it as the RBGA Small Business of the Month, the Marina, operated by Parrot Pointe Marine, Inc., will receive advertising in the form of articles in the Advantage, Intelligencer and Telegraph, an appearance with Monica Bristow, RBGA President during her monthly interview by WBGZ radio and a video of the award ceremony produced by RiverBender.com and posted to their RiverBender.com and EdGlenToday.com websites. Alton Marina is open 365 days a year and you dont have to have a boat to enjoy it!The River Bend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities knows as the River Bend. For more information about theGrowth Association, please visitwww.growthassociation.comor call (618) 467-2280. The Alton Marina 1 Henry Street Alton, IL 62002 618-462-9860 karen@altonmarina.com
![IdeaBounce at the Jacoby Arts Center [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307884_0_4145jpg.jpg)
“As the Small Business Revolution continues to spread, please join Alton Main Street and the Skandalaris Center at Washington University for a fun, fast paced elevator pitch competition and networking event featuring the area’s best and brightest!
![Our Daily Show! Ft: Honeybee Vintage, Girl Scouts of Southern IL, MustacheMarch4PD, and More! [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307878_0_6737jpg.jpg)
Join us this Friday morning in the heart of the Riverbend as we start off the show with Melissa Bland! Get excited for the grand opening of Honeybee Vintage on March 18th! Melissa will provide all the details on the preparations and share the excitement she has for the occasion! Plus, she’ll unveil exciting giveaways leading up to the opening, including a $25 gift card that’s redeemable online or in-store. The winner will be announced on March 1st!Loretta Graham the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will join us at 10:10! Loretta will fill us in on Cookie Season… it is here! She will give us all of the details, and how impactful the campaign is for the Girl Scouts!Then, at 10:35, we’ll chat with Wesley and Tina about everything related to Mustache March for PD. Don’t miss out on the details of the 2024 Mustache March 4PD Benefit, happening on Friday, March 22nd, at the Bluff City Grill Event Hall in Alton, IL. It’s time to prepare your mustache for this special occasion!
![Workforce Wednesday Cannabis Dollars Put Towards Communities [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307875_0_Screenshot20240904095642png.png)
This week’s Workforce Wednesday we talk about how the Department of Commerce created a reinvestment project that took cannabis tax dollars for a community small business grant to help local businesses. Click the video for more details.
![‘Women’s Build Day’ aims to empower women who are building their own homes [Video]](https://smallbizsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mp_307872_0_90.jpg)
Helena Area Habitat for Humanity is looking for 40 women volunteers to work alongside women who are building their own homes to provide a better future for their families.