The National Retail Federation is predicting that Americans will spend $1.5 billion on candy for Valentine's Day gifts in 2012.

That's a lot of candy! I'm sure there are some other SWEET treats on your list. Just remember, Share the Love this weekend and shop local businesses for your SWEETS Here are a few local suggestions for your Valentine's Day goodies.

A local florist will insure that you get exactly what you order! No need to call 1-800-FLOWERS when you can deal directly with a friendly, smiling person!

A local greenhouse nursery can provide you with a variety of plants and flowers that will "bloom" all year - just like your love! How about an assortment of flower seed packets just in time for spring planting, a little red garden shovel, pink gardening gloves and a note...My heart GROWS fonder everyday!

Breakfast, lunch or dinner out is always a good idea - that way your LOVE won't get stuck doing the cooking and cleanup! A variety of local restaurants will be happy to serve you this weekend - give a local business some LOVE!

SWEET treats are always a welcome gift - heart shaped donuts, heart shaped cakes, pink frosted cupcakes and heart shaped chocolates are treats everyone LOVES - and there are plenty of local "sweet treat" businesses around!

The ulitmate SWEET treat - chocolate diamonds, red hot rubies, or smokin' topaz - be a Valentine's Day Hero!

Don't forget the Valentine's Day party supplies - decorations, balloons, cards and more!

A hot stone massage will warm your SWEETIE up - consider a gift certificate for a massage!

A red HOT manicure and pedicure is so needed right now, and a fresh new hair style for spring - stop by any of our local salons for a gift certificate.

Give the gift of a healthy HEART - with a membership to the gym - a gift that gives all year long!

A photo of your LOVED ones can be captured by local photographers and expertly matted and framed by a local frame gallery.

Okay, those are my suggestions for this weekend - do you have any to add?

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar and Join Us!

Checkers Boutique will be relocating to 623 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. Previously located in the Willowbrook Plaza, Owner, Lynn Grimes and her family have been busy working on the move. The new location is scheduled to open Feb. 1st! The GRC will do a ribbon cutting for Checkers Boutique on Friday, Feb. 3rd, 11am. Please stop by and welcome Lynn to her new location. I am so happy to welcome another business to the "Avenue".

Checkers Boutique has all the latest fashion trends for prom, bridal, mother of the bride, formalwear, 1st Communion and of course tuxedo rentals.

Island Sign Sponsorship Available

Be an Active Chamber Member

By now, most of you are familiar with the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce, the benefits of membership and the programs we offer throughout the year.

Most of you are either members of the GRC, or a member of your own, local Chamber of Commerce, which is great. You have made a wise business investment by joining the Chamber, but are you getting the most from your investment? Joining a Chamber is important, but being an active member is even more important.

I offer you the following tips on ways to be an active Chamber member:
1. Attend membership meetings and Chamber events
2. Be active on a committee or be involved with the planning of events.
3. Be nominated and elected to the Board of Directors.
4. Take advantage of advertising opportunities – both low cost and no cost are available.
5. Volunteer for events and Chamber activities.
6. Sponsor a special event.
7. Be a guest speaker at a meeting, or offer a workshop or seminar in your field of expertise.
8. Host a networking event or Business after Hours event at your place of business.
9. Write an article about your business or field of expertise for Chamber related publications.
10. Follow the Chamber on social media and post comments and “likes” as your business.

For more information on any of these tips, please call me and I would be happy to personally help you apply them.

In closing, I leave with you the following statistics that I found in a research study titled The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce:

When consumers know that a small business is a member of the Chamber of Commerce they are 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company and are 44% more likely to think favorably of that business – www.schapirogroup.com.

Most consumers – 59% think that being active in the local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy overall. Membership is an effective way to convey to consumers that a business uses good business practices, is involved in the community, cares about customers and is reputable – www.schapirogroup.com.

If the business shows that it is highly involved in the local Chamber of Commerce (sits on the chamber board, committee chair, etc.) consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition – www.schapirogroup.com.

Are you an active member?