News from the GCVCC and Southwest Church

The program aims to raise over $100,000 to directly support local small businesses.

Indian Wells, CA: Local faith-based organizations are partnering with the chamber of commerce to financially assist small businesses still struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Love Local CV program will help connect the giving spirit of local faith groups directly to small businesses through gift card purchases and encouraging the community to shop local.

The effort will be the focus of a singular Night of Worship designed to raise awareness, uplift spirits, and encourage generosity on the part of our community.  The Night of Worship will be held on May 1^st, 2021, on the lawn of Southwest Church beginning at 7:00 PM.  Southwest Church is located at 44-175 Washington St. in Indian Wells, CA. The event will be a safe, socially distanced, outdoor event that promises to inspire.  All proceeds raised from this Night of Worship will go directly towards the purchase of gift cards and certificates from participating local shops and restaurants.

Faith leaders from every participating church will be on hand to offer prayer and support for Coachella Valley small businesses during the event. “Southwest Church is honored to partner with thirteen other Coachella Valley churches and the GCVCC to unite community and amplify our impact,” said Brad Kinney, Pastor of Advancement. “We are helping local businesses keep their dreams alive. That’s faith in business at work.”

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) represents almost 1,300 businesses across the Coachella Valley, many of which are small businesses.  They have seen firsthand the difficulty many local owners have encountered financially as a result of the pandemic and subsequent limitations on conducting commerce. “Love Local CV is all about collaboration,” says GCVCC Director of Member Services Rebecca Rizzo.  “Together we are trying to raise each other up and champion our local business community. The support we have seen throughout this pandemic from all levels of the community has been inspiring.  The effort being put forth by our local faith community is just one more example of that support in action.”

The GCVCC Is assisting with connecting local small businesses to the program through public outreach to local shops, restaurants, and other businesses that are based in the Coachella Valley and have 50 or fewer employees. Coachella Valley businesses that are interested in participating should contact the chamber at (760) 347-0676.  There is no charge or obligation for a business to participate.

To learn more about the Love Local CV program, visit lovelocalcv.com.