We’re fortunate to work on a street with several thriving small businesses, including a family owned pizza parlor chain, one of the Midwest’s best family-owned fast food restaurants, a delicious family-owned bakery, and a charming and renowned family-owned candy store.

All of this tempting, homespun deliciousness just walking distance from our office doors makes us triply committed to our cardiovascular routines. It also reinforces our daily appreciation for America’s small businesses.

Tomorrow, many of us will be hitting the shops to celebrate Small Business Saturday. As employees of a family-owned business ourselves, we like to support our fellow local business owners. We also enjoy purchasing the one-of-a-kind items these stores produce.

At Wilmar Chocolate, we can build our own candy bar, or purchase all manner of hand-dipped chocolates, including turtles made with award-winning caramel. At Simple Simon Bakery, we like iced cookies, doughnuts, and the season’s finest homemade Tom and Jerry mix. We enjoy Tom’s Drive-In’s cheese curds, and Pizza King’s paninis, subs and pizza, all perfect game-day fare. We appreciate the opportunity to stroll College Avenue, with its many pretty boutiques and shops, includings Lillians, Blue Moon Emporium, hey daisy! and nearly 70 more.

Join us in toasting the creative, hard-working people whose success depends on a solid business plan, active marketing, and the loyalty of shoppers like you and me.