E-Club holds business crawl
Forty-five students took part in a business crawl throughout St. Joe sponsored by the McNeely Center and E-Club. The crawl took students to Bruno Press, Flour and Flower/Krewe, Minnesota Street Market, Jupiter Moon and Obbink Distilling.
The St. Joe Business Crawl on Tuesday took students on a journey through the heart of St. Joseph, exploring the stories and offerings of various local businesses. The event, organized by the Entrepreneurship Club and supported by community leaders like Mary Bruno of Bruno Press, aimed to deepen students’ connection to the vibrant local economy.
Lucy Farley, a CSB sophomore, shared her enthusiasm for attending the crawl, expressing her belief in the importance of understanding the unique narratives behind each small business.
“Exploring these establishments isn’t just about shopping; it’s about connecting with the stories behind them and appreciating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our local economy,” Farley said.
Farley was particularly enthralled by the hands-experience of creating prints at the Bruno Press, which blended education with entertainment.
“What truly captivated me was the inspiring narrative behind it [Bruno Press]. The interactive experience of making out own prints was both educational and so fun,” Farley said.
Some businesses have a long history in St. Joe, like Sal’s Bar, Bo Diddley’s and Gary’s, while others are emerging as new staples like Minnesota Street Market and Bruno Press.
During the first wave of COVID which sent students home, small businesses in college towns across the country reported that it was challenging to keep their businesses afloat without students’ support. These businesses rely on a steady stream of students purchasing coffee, groceries, baked goods, anniversary dinners and weekend drinks. Without competition from other similar establishments, owners can be sure that they will see at least a few students on any given day.
This sense of community between St. Joseph and CSB+SJU invites collaboration and partnerships for events like PRP’s Sunday walks to Flour & Flower, Swayed Pines at Bad Habit and gift cards to Krewe as bingo prizes.
E-Club Vice President Thomas Biernacki emphasized the significance of small businesses near campuses. He highlighted their role in providing convenience, job opportunities and a sense of community for students. Biernacki stressed the reciprocal relationship between students and local businesses, speaking to the impact of student support through employment, promotion and engagement.
“Small businesses near our campuses offer more than just products and services; they contribute to the fabric of our community,” Biernacki said. “By supporting them, students not only enhance their college experience but also ensure the sustainability of our local economy.”
Behind the scenes, Bruno recounted the collaborative effort that brought the crawl to life. She reflected on the initial spark of the idea and its evolution into a successful event, thanks to partnerships with on-campus organizations like the McCarthy Center and the McNeely Center.
“It’s been incredible to see the community come together to support initiatives like the St. Joe Business Crawl,” Bruno said. “Our partnerships have been instrumental in turning ideas into reality, showcasing the spirit of collaboration that defines St. Joseph.”
Despite challenges like inclement weather, the event drew over 45 students, showcasing the community’s resilience and enthusiasm.
“We faced some hurdles along the way, but the turnout speaks volumes about the excitement and support for local businesses,” Bruno said. “It’s a testament to the strong sense of community that thrives here.” In addition to serving as patrons, students also serve as employees of local businesses. Most of the businesses in St. Joseph, including those involved in the business crawl, have students serving as cashiers, servers and bartenders
Bruno underscored the benefits of living in a college town rich with opportunities for collaboration between students and local businesses. Over the years, she has welcomed interns from CSB+SJU, collaborated on projects with faculty members and actively engaged with various departments within the institutions.
“The synergy between students and local businesses is invaluable,” Bruno said. “It’s about creating meaningful connections and opportunities for growth, both for students and the community.” Looking ahead, Bruno hopes to continue cultivating student interest in small businesses and community involvement.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” Bruno said. “There’s so much more to explore and discover in St. Joseph, and I’m excited to see students take an active role in shaping its future.”
