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In the fall of 2002, the City of Petal was still growing. There was no Gandy Parkway. The Petal Police Department was still in the planning stages of adding its courtroom building. The YMCA had not even broken ground yet on a building project for its new facility in Petal. Construction of the pavilion in the center of Petal’s Relay Park had just been completed. And, Walmart Supercenter was still brand new, with very few businesses nearby.

As a way to help keep revenue in the local community, the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce, a handful of local businesses and a small advertising staff from the local newspaper called The Petal Advocate and Holly Rambin being the owner came up with the idea of the “Shop Petal First” campaign.

Sonja Hopper, owner of Merle Normal Petal, was one of the business leaders who helped develop the campaign 20 years ago. 

“I remember the first day we talked about this. I had just started my business not too long before. People told me I shouldn’t have a business in Petal because it wouldn’t make it.”

With the help of other businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and two advertising representatives, Christy Tartavoulle and Jennifer Compton, the plan was born for the community-wide sales event with prizes, entertainment and even a visit from Santa in local stores.

“We wanted to do something to promote our local businesses. I can see how people have embraced this and I think we’ve accomplished that,” Hopper said. “To see that it’s 20 years later and it’s so successful and important to our businesses, it’s amazing.”

Even now, Tartavoulle is still involved with Shop Petal First and has come full-circle from an advertising sales representative with only 28 businesses participating in the first campaign, to being the owner of her on agency and publisher of the Shop Petal First guide that will represent the more than 50 businesses participating in this year’s three-day shopping event, held November 17-19. This year’s guide will be available in stores and will also include a downloadable version through the event’s official website ShopPetalFirst.net. 

Valerie Wilson, president of the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce, said so much has changed in Petal over the past 20 years, especially for the business community. 

“We’ve grown from a city who used to beg businesses to come to Petal, to now having larger retailers coming to us asking to be included in our community.”

According to Wilson, the Chamber’s work including the annual Shop Petal First campaign, has helped sales revenue steadily increase, with November being one of the most profitable months of the year. Just over the last decade, sales tax revenue has jumped by more than $100,000, with revenues from November 2010 at $172,000 compared to last year’s November revenue of $277,000.

“Our chamber membership is really strong, and we are able to accomplish a lot in this city as an organization,” she said. “When the chamber is involved, our business are successful and help make Petal a better place.”

Wilson said not only does Shop Petal First help bring in more tax revenue, but also helps show local business owners support and appreciation. 

” We recognize how much our local business give back to our community,” she said. “They just have an outpouring of love, and we need to pour that right back into those businesses. Every dollar you spend in this city is going to benefit this city.”

Mayor Tony Ducker said aside from the additional tax revenue, the biggest goal of the campaign is to support local business owners.

“We do get a bump from sales tax during this promotion.  So, it’s important,” he said. “But even more than that, it helps the businesses who invest in our town.”

This year’s Shop Petal First includes many new facets, including a free Kick off Gala November 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Petal Civic Center, with food provided by Sullivan and Sons; entertainment by On Your Toes Dance Studio, The Petal High School Jazz Ensemble, and local musicians; and a silent auction benefitting the Petal Education Foundation’s yearly scholarship and future community arts events.

Most notably, the addition of a Holiday Market, co-sponsored by the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and the Petal Arts Council, will help make Shop Petal First even bigger and better. 

According to Jodi Brickson of the Petal Arts Council, The Holiday Market, held inside Petal Harvey Baptist Church’s gym and fellowship hall, will feature handmade items, locally made arts and crafts, music performances, sample giveaways and informational booths set up by local businesses and non-profit organizations. There will also be a toy drive sponsored by Lockout Locksmith. The Holiday market will be open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. during all three days of Shop Petal First.

“It is an opportunity for people to see and experience some of the hidden talent we have here in Petal and learn about community organizations and small businesses they may not be aware of,” said Brickson. “It will be a festive atmosphere where they can get into the holiday spirit.”

Shop Petal First has become much more than a marketing campaign over the past 20 years. It has become a tradition for many families. 

“It’s become an event in Petal. It’s a celebration of keeping the holidays here at home and visit with all the business owners who support our community - a way to thank them for their support, and that’s a wonderful feeling,” said Wilson. “It’s personal and keeps the Christmas spirit right here at home.”