RiverBend Growth Association

08/31/2026

Vote once per day through 9/4 for nearby Carlinville, IL, to have a Hallmark movie filmed there in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town Contest. How fun would that be!

🎄 We’ve been hearing lots of questions about Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town contest, so we thought we’d answer a few of the ones we hear most!
🎁 Can we see how Carlinville is doing in the voting?
No. Vote totals and current standings are not public, so we’re all going to have to live with the suspense! 😬
❄️ Are the towns on Hallmark’s website listed in order of who is winning?
No. The order the towns appear on the website is not a ranking.
🎅🏻Is the winner based only on votes?
No! Community participation is an important part of the contest, but the town with the most votes does not automatically win! After the selection period ends, Hallmark’s judges will evaluate each finalist town based on:
🎄 Community Spirit
🎄 Holiday Traditions
🎄 Neighborhood Charm
🎄 Goodwill
🤶🏻When will we find out who won?
Not until the end of October! So when voting closes September 4, the waiting begins.
☃ When would Hallmark film a movie in Carlinville if we win?
We don’t know yet! Hallmark hasn’t announced a filming timeline.
🔔How did Carlinville get chosen?
A Carlinville citizen nominated our town with a story about Carlinville, photos and a video showcasing what makes our town special. You can see the original nomination video right on Carlinville’s voting page!

Have another question? Drop it in the comments and we’ll answer what we can!
And while we may not know how we’re doing in the voting…we DO know what you need to do every day until September 4th...
Keep voting, Carlinville! ❤️🎄

08/31/2026

Eclipse Car Wash is a locally owned and operated express car wash serving the Riverbend area with locations in Edwardsville and Godfrey, Illinois. Our mission is simple: deliver an out-of-this-world clean with great customer service, clean and welcoming facilities, and a team that is always ready to help.
Both locations offer a variety of wash options, unlimited FASTPASS memberships, and complimentary amenities including vacuums, towels, glass cleaner, compressed air, and more. Our Godfrey location offers even more ways to wash, with the ability to accommodate dually trucks as well as a touch free wash option. Guests 21 and older can also visit Lunar Slots, our on-site gaming area.
As a local business, we’re proud to invest in our team, our facilities, and the communities we serve. Whether you stop in for a quick wash or make Eclipse part of your regular routine, our goal is to make taking care of your car easy while delivering a great experience every time.

08/30/2026

Looking for a local business? 🔎

Start with your RiverBend Growth Association Membership Directory.

It is a great place to find local shops, restaurants, service providers, professionals, and other businesses right here in our community. 🏪🍽️🔧

Find a local business you need: https://bit.ly/3StE0Sy

Support local. Do business local. Keep our community strong. ❤️

08/29/2026

Supporting local is about more than where you shop. 💚

It is who you call when the yard needs work, where you spend a Saturday afternoon, who you trust with your smile, and the local businesses you rely on every day.

Take a look around.

There are probably more opportunities to support local than you realize.

08/28/2026

Hear from the RBGA's Stefanie and Debbie about its annual LeadHERship Seminar on September 25.

Alton’s RiverBend Growth Association hosts LeadHERship Seminar Sept. 25, 2026, with speakers, networking, and women-focused development.

08/28/2026

✨ You’re invited to our September Member Mingle!

Join the RiverBend Growth Association for an afternoon of networking, conversation, and community connections! Our September Mingle is co-sponsored by The Bethalto Floor Store and Riverbend Rescue. 💙

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 The Bethalto Floor Store
400 East Bethalto Drive, Bethalto, IL
💵 $10 admission

Come prepared with your 30-second elevator pitch and don’t forget to bring your business card for a chance to win a local gift card! 🎉

🔗 Register at rbga.org

08/27/2026

🤝 Start September by growing your network!

Join the RiverBend Growth Association for First Friday Speed Networking on September 4!

Meet local professionals
Make new connections
Share your business
Just a $5 investment

📅 September 4
⏰ Registration begins at 8:15 AM
⏰ Speed Networking: 8:30–9:30 AM

Start your Friday making connections that can help you and your business grow!

🔗 Register at rbga.org

08/26/2026

Join us on Friday 28th at 8:30 AM at the office of RiverBend Growth Association for Chamber 101 ☀️
Learn how to maximize your membership, connect with other local businesses, and discover all the ways RBGA helps promote and grow your business in Southwestern Illinois.

You’ll meet the RBGA team, learn about networking opportunities, marketing promotions, committees, and how to make the most of your member benefits. 🤝📈

If you’re a current member or thinking about joining, this is a great place to start. We’d love to see you there!

08/25/2026

Meet our speaker for the LeadHERship Seminar, Erin Bickle! 💙✨

One Drop Changes Everything: The Ripple Effect

The Ripple Effect is the idea that every choice we make creates an impact beyond what we can see. And when women lead, that ripple becomes even more powerful.

When a woman rises, she rarely rises alone. The choices she makes, the confidence she builds, and the way she leads can create a ripple that inspires and empowers those around her.

Join us on September 25 to hear from Erin Bickle and discover how one drop can change everything! 💧

Seminar details and tickets: https://bit.ly/3FETzjJ

08/24/2026

🌟 Exciting news! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website! 🎉✨ Explore all the amazing resources we have to offer at https://bit.ly/4hTaaha. Discover insights, tips, and tools to help you grow your potential!

Check it out today and let us know what you think! 💬👇