In September, a group of business owners assisted by the Kerr Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau launched the “Love Where You Live” initiative. The all-volunteer program uses signs, social media posts and more to encourage Kerrville and Kerr County residents to spend their money with local small businesses.
One of the program volunteers, Denny Foster, said he realized this program was needed in light of the July 16 flooding.
“Financially, there was more damage in town for this flood than the last one,” he said. “And we have fewer resources this year.”
After waiting more than a month for a federal disaster declaration, Foster said he had an epiphany.
“No one’s coming to save us,” he said. “If we don’t save ourselves, what will Kerrville be?”
The answer, Foster said, is to encourage people to spend money in local stores.
This sentiment was shared by Mindy Wendele of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce and Julie Davis of the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“After the July 16 flood, we had several meetings to discuss how businesses were going to handle this almost unprecedented situation of two natural disasters almost back to back,” Wendele said. “We spoke with the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau and realized that the best way to stimulate the economy was to get people to spend their money locally. We put our two efforts together, and that became the ‘Love Where You Live’ program.”
Volunteers like Foster and a multitude of businesses worked to spread the word.
“We want people to spend local, sip local, dine local and experience locally all the things our community has to offer,” Wendele said. “Really become a tourist in your own town.”
Foster believes that spending money locally benefits all of Kerr County.
“When you spend money here in the community, that money stays in the community,” Foster said. “It recirculates through the local area three to five times. When you buy on Amazon or go to San Antonio, none of that money comes back to Kerrville.”
Foster said the initiative is needed, especially given Kerr County’s special circumstances.
“We know that, 12 to 14 months after a disaster hits a community, 40% of small businesses in that community are out of business,” Foster said. “We were headed into month 13 after the 2025 flood when the July 16 flooding happened. There’s no data about what happens when a community experiences two natural disasters almost back to back. There’s no telling what will happen to small businesses if we don’t step up.”
Todd Bock, the executive director of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation, has endorsed the campaign and encouraged locals to participate.
“Local businesses are the backbone of our community,” Bock said. “They create jobs, support other businesses, contribute to our tax base, give back to local organizations and help build the character and quality of life that make this such a special place to live. Choosing to spend locally is one of the most direct ways we can support our community.”
Foster also spoke about how spending money locally can help increase the money needed to rebuild important infrastructure throughout Kerr County.
“Everyone’s worried about the property taxes going up,” Foster said. “But, at the same time, we need to pay for these bridges and roads that have been damaged. It’s clear FEMA and the state aren’t going to help. So, how do we get those funds without raising property taxes? Through sales tax.”
According to Foster, seeing more sales from Kerrville businesses could possibly decrease the need for a disaster tax rate, which the City Council will vote on in a public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
“These businesses, these are your neighbors,” Foster said. “Shopping here, getting groceries here, getting your services here, doesn’t just help them. It helps everyone.”
Wendele said that the most important action residents can take from this awareness program would be stepping into local shops.
“Bring your heart and your mind in line with your wallet,” she said. “Step into any small business near you and spend money. Even just a little bit will help a lot.”
In addition to the Kerr Area Chamber of Commerce, the “Love Where You Live” program has been partially funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Foster said that any local business that wishes to be a part of the program is welcome. Signs will be sent out to members of the Chamber of Commerce within the week and will also be available to businesses upon request.
Foster also said residents can take part in the initiative.
“If you want to get involved, spread the word,” Foster said. “Keep posting on social media, put up the signs when you get them. The more we spend here, the more we’ll grow.”
Suggested social media posts, downloadable information on the program and more can be found at kerrvillecrafted.com/love-my-guadalupe-valley/
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