BDC votes to collaborate with Chamber on Fourth of July parade, approves $600 for banners, shirts and giveaways

The Webster Groves Business Development Commission voted to join the Chamber of Commerce in a collaborative Fourth of July parade entry focused on a "shop local" theme and agreed to spend up to $600 on banners, shirts and small giveaways.

Commissioners discussed creative elements for the entry — coordinated banners and t‑shirts, decorated shopping carts (donor provided), shopping‑cart sponsorships priced around $100 per cart to offset costs, and choreography/rehearsals to prepare participants. Members noted one local donor (Freddy’s) had offered up to eight shopping carts and suggested selling cart sponsorships to businesses (proposed price: $100 per cart) while sharing branding between the BDC and the quad/chamber.

The group asked that an outreach email to businesses be drafted and routed through city staff (Fran) by the end of the following day to recruit volunteers, sponsors and participating merchants. Logistics noted by members included lead time for banner/shirt production, size ordering for shirts, a safety meeting and a staging plan for the parade morning.

Action taken: the commission approved collaboration with the Chamber and a spending authorization of up to $600 to cover banners, shirts and giveaways; members also endorsed the concept of up to eight shopping‑cart sponsorships at approximately $100 each to help offset expenses.