RBGA Small Business of the Month- June 2010
RBGA Small Business of the Month- March 2018

RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 2022

RBGA Small Business of the Month - April 2021

At Brush Hair + Makeup, we're more than just pretty - making every effort to ensure our clients feel the love and feel beautiful is what really puts the bubbles in our champagne.  Whether its a big night out or walking into her 9-5, we want our Brush Babe to feel radiant, lovely, and confident every step of the way.

Founded in 2016 by Elizabeth Werts. Brush has been a labor of love. Our beautiful salon has been meticulously designed and styled for a luxurious, relaxing experience as you are placed in the skilled hands of our highly trained, passionate, and creative hair stylists and makeup artists, who you can meet here.      

RBGA Small Business of the Month - December 1998
RBGA Small Business of the Month - September 2020  

Homemade baked favorites -- cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, and fudge brownies -- plus seasonal favorites including pulled pork, holiday pies, and fresh pecans. Owner, JoDell Langdon, has perfected her recipes over years of restaurant and catering experience. Now you can enjoy these unique and delicious flavors every week! Watch for special items with every new season!

Hi! I'm Lori - otherwise known as Lolly Really, all you need to know about me is that I LOVE food! I love thinking about food. I love cooking food. I love talking about food. Plain and simple... I love everything about food. I've always said that the kitchen is my Happy Place. My husband and I have enjoyed cooking together for nearly 30 years - socializing with our family and friends. Before that, I learned to cook from the amazing women in my family. And now, cooking for YOU is my business! When I'm not making food for my clients, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dogs - usually grilling up something delicious in our outdoor kitchen. By now, you may have guessed that I spend a LOT of time searching for and trying out new recipes. Yes, this is my passion! You see, I’m the type of person who wakes up thinking about the next great dish. While eating breakfast, I’m already wondering what we’re going to have for dinner that night. Or I may be pondering what I could prepare if we were to host a party.

RBGA Small Business of the Month - July 2017

     Designs by Doubledown focuses on creativity, imagination and innovation, when providing its customers with quality custom apparel. Formerly JLS Designs, the company now thrives under the enthusiastic leadership of Jamie and Joe Downer, who are dedicated to delivering custom apparel for every occasion.

  Commitment to Community and Custom Design      

"Having lived and worked in the Riverbend community most of my life, I understand the unique needs of our customers," shares Jamie Downer, the original proprietor.        

We provide custom, full -olor t-shirts and apparel for clubs, schools, teams, and special occasions. We support teams from Alton to Wood River and create for occasions from Bachelorette to Wedding. Regardless if it is a one-off or specialty design, or if your project can’t meet the minimum requirements of some larger shops, we can help fulfill your needs, with our Direct to Garment or Direct to Film printing options. We stand as a local partner, dedicated to bringing personalized visions to life.                 

Dedication to Service and Quality        

Our unwavering commitment to service and quality is our cornerstone. Every client’s vision is meticulously brought to life, ensuring satisfaction and exceeding expectations. The team at Designs by Doubledown has extensive knowledge and expertise, guaranteeing that each project, regardless of its size, receives utmost attention and care.                

Expanding Possibilities and Building Connections        

We embrace innovation by collaborating with other local businesses in the area. This is about being more than just a business, it's about creating connections within the community and building a network that fosters growth and unity. We prioritize partnering with local small businesses, aligning with our culture of “Support Local - Shop Small”.        

This spirit allows us to extend our services and offerings beyond the traditional scope, ensuring that we remain at the industry’s cutting edge. Our eagerness to expand our network enhances not only our company but also positively impacts our local community. Our membership in local associations underscores this commitment, assuring our clientele of our dedication to quality, collaboration, and local growth.      

RBGA Small Business of the Month - September 2024

The families of the Alton community have trusted Drake Tire & Auto Service, LLC with their cars since 1935. For a few years, Drake joined forces with another family-owned and operated auto service company focused on establishing long-lasting relationships through excellent service. Now, Drake Tire & Auto Service, LLC is back and still providing great quality community-focused service.

Drake is a full-service tire and auto repair shop.  In addition to selling tires, we do oil changes, brakes, engine repair and diagnostic work.

Our team is passionate about what they do and committed to providing you with the best in workmanship customer service. We have ASE-certified technicians on staff to get the job done the first time, in a timely manner.  Drake is a certified NAPA retailer and an AAA-approved shop.

RBGA Small Business of the Month - January 2012

Encore Bath and Shower is a family business that's been around since 1991. We are third generation contractors, specialized in bathroom remodeling. Everyone at Encore Bath & Shower has devoted our professional lives to offer quality bath and shower products, saving time, mess, and resources.

We recognize the challenges faced when planning a bathroom project. So many choices, so many options can truly be overwhelming. We can help with that, in working directly with you, we will understand your wishes and goals. Trained in job planning and execution, our in-home consultant brings over 25 years of remodeling experience to your project. You get to see the products that fit your space and specifics you’ve asked for. No point in wasting time, on options not right for you, or won’t even fit the space you have to work within. Making good decisions in the planning stage saves time and resources. What about staying in budget? When your contractor can offer job specific products, skilled job planning and certified installation practices, your project is completed quickly and efficiently. It’s a nice feeling when your new bathroom is complete and is ready for you to use and enjoy. Timely completions, job specific products, user friendly baths and showers, our pledge and our ultimate goal. Let’s work together on a project for you. We look forward to meeting with you!
From all of us at Encore Bath & Shower, Thank you.

Allan Morse, President

Farm & Home Supply was founded as a single store back in 1960, where it was originally known as Quincy Farm Supply. Since then, we have expanded to 15 stores across the Midwestern states of Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. At Farm & Home, we specialize in providing quality products for your farm, home, and family needs. 

Our company is owned by local families focused on providing knowledgeable, courteous service and products essential to living in the Midwest.

RBGA Small Business of the Month - June 2003

Small Business of the Year 2003 

Fischer Lumber Company is celebrating 80 years of business, growth and a strong family presence in East Alton. Since the company’s founding in 1941, the full-service lumberyard has more than tripled and expanded business all over the St. Louis metro area.

Fischer Lumber Co. is an 80 percent based contractor yard; however, it still serves a large range of customers from building contractors, government agencies, small businesses, hospitals, churches and factories to individual trade. The company strives to cater to all of its customers and their individual lumber needs. It delivers within a 60-mile radius, doing a lot of business on both sides of the river. With pride, the Fischers have watched their business continue to succeed and grow over the past 80 years in East Alton.    

Fischer Lumber provides jobs for 44 full-time employees. As a testament to the company’s longstanding success, many employees have been with the Fischers for more than 30 years.

RBGA Small Business of the Month- October 2024

Discover the Delightful Flavors of Foxes-Boxes in Bethalto!

Flaky pastries? Check. Delicious multi-color macarons? Absolutely. A savory, scrumptious sandwich with soup on the side? You bet! 

Start your day off deliciously with house-made breakfast options like biscuits and gravy, fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls, a lox bagel, or a hearty breakfast sandwich. You’ll want to come back for lunch—if you have any room left!

For lunch, enjoy crisp, freshly made salads and sandwiches like refreshing chicken salad, a hot gyro, or smothered Italian beef. Pair these with sides like loaded baked potatoes, creamy soup, and more, making your lunch run an easy choice.

Foxes-Boxes offers an ever-changing menu that highlights in-season produce in their top-notch house recipes. And for dessert? You DO NOT want to miss out on that!

Regulars swear by Foxes-Boxes’ cream horns, French toast, and cinnamon rolls—staples on the restaurant and bakery’s rotating menu. The bake case is always filled with a variety of pastries including macarons, croissants, meringues, kolache, and so much more!

Shop for local honey and coffee, pick up some fresh-cut flowers, and go home with something sweet from this delightful and delicious family-owned eatery, baked with love in Bethalto.

Come taste the magic at Foxes-Boxes today! 

Foxes Boxes Menu