Chamber welcomes new local businesses

Spring doesn’t tiptoe into Berryville. It kicks the door open with scissors in hand and a handful of bright ribbon.

This March, the Berryville Chamber of Commerce is celebrating three ribbon cuttings that highlight the energy, creativity and resilience of Berryville’s small business community. Each event marks the arrival of new ideas and entrepreneurs who are choosing to invest in our town and help it grow.

The Mercantile Treasures of Berryville

n 4 p.m. Friday, March 20 202 Public Square

Located on the Historic Square, The Mercantile Treasures of Berryville brings fresh energy and unique finds to downtown. Tenderly curated by owner Alice Caldwell, the flea-market- style shop features more than 30 vendors offering everything from vintage treasures and handmade items to art and jewelry.

Blazing Breeze Hat Shop

n 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21 307 S. Main St.

Adding western flair to Main Street, Blazing Breeze Hat Shop offers specialty hat burning and custom designs by owner Bree Adams.

The shop also features a beautiful rustic gathering space where friends can enjoy hat-crafting parties or rent the venue for private events.

Breezy Bronze Tanning Salon – Five Businesses Under One Roof

n Saturday, March 28 Open House: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting Relay: 10 a.m. 107 Hogue Ave.

The fully renovated Breezy Bronze Tanning Salon building is becoming a hub of activity with five businesses operating under one roof. Owner Brianna Wolfe has transformed the space into a collaborative small business environment featuring: Breezy Bronze Tanning Salon, Platinum Ink Tattooing, Hide Haven Body Studio, Wolfe’s Den Barbershop and Wolfe Hollow Photography. The celebration will include an open house and a fun Ice Cream Social “Scoop Race” inspired ribbon cutting relay race at 10 a.m.

All ribbon cutting events are free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and help welcome these entrepreneurs to Berryville.

Why a Strong Chamber Matters The Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member- based nonprofit organization made up of local businesses, professionals, and community leaders working together to strengthen the local economy and promote the community.

While ribbon cuttings are often the most visible activity, chambers do much more behind the scenes. The Berryville Chamber provides networking opportunities, business education, marketing support, community events and connections that help local businesses succeed.

Membership dues and events such as the Annual Ice Cream Social help fund efforts to promote local businesses and the community. Recent initiatives include reinvesting revenue from the Chamber’s Meet the Candidates event into plans for a major overhaul of the Chamber website to increase visibility and traffic for local businesses.

A strong chamber signals that a community’s business environment is healthy and engaged. According to a 2024 national survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, 64 percent of consumers who are familiar with their local chamber say they are more likely to purchase from businesses that are chamber members.

Chambers also advocate for local businesses by working with city and county leaders, supporting economic growth policies, coordinating community initiatives, and providing a neutral space for civic discussion. When a chamber is strong, businesses truly have a seat at the table.

Celebrating Berryville’s 150th Anniversary The Berryville Chamber of Commerce is also excited to share the spirit of excitement in the City of Berryville’s yearlong celebration of the community’s 150th anniversary. As new businesses open their doors and longtime traditions continue, this milestone year is a reminder that Berryville’s story is still being written by the people who live, work and invest here.