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May is National Small Business Month, and May 19 is the first night of Rock the Block in Winchester.

The Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce has found a way to recognize both.

Along with being one of the organizations to sponsor Rock the Block, they will host a free 2023 Chamber Member Appreciation Event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at its office on 61 S. Main Street.

Attendees can expect to find hors d’oeuvres and much more.

“We’ve never done this before, but it’s kind of magic,” said Cindy Banks, Executive Director of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce. “Over 82% of my 415 [current] members have less than ten employees, that’s a big thing.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration celebrates National Small Business Week from April 30-May 6.

The year 2023 represents the 70th anniversary of the agency and the 60th anniversary of the year when then-President John F. Kennedy proclaimed it.

Presently, numerous banners along Main Street represent corporate sponsors and other businesses, all of whom have been well-appreciated and recognized by the Chamber.

Earlier this month, Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed read a proclamation to honor businesses throughout May.

Consisting of more than 400 businesses, including Satisfaction Pools, LLC, Perkins’ Auto Detailing, Amy’s Asian Kitchen, The Barre: Fitness Boutique, celebrating small business accomplishments only felt appropriate.

“It took me a decade to get over 400 members,” Banks said. “Once [we] reached that, it was like, ‘Yes, finally!’”

Many members have supported the community in dedicated ways – philanthropically or otherwise – to help it thrive.

During the pandemic, several challenges occurred though many businesses continued to provide opportunities.

According to a recent proclamation, over 50% of the nation’s workers are estimated to be employed through small businesses.

“That just proves that small businesses [are] pretty much what makes up the community,” Banks added. “Small businesses are the heartbeat. That’s just it. Plain and simple.”