As lifelong residents of the Riverbend area, the Emerick and Robinson families thought it was a perfect opportunity to buy B&B Custom T's to continue to serve their community. Both families have been heavily involved with area school, sports clubs, and the Bethalto Boys and Girls Club where each has held various board positions and committee chairs. The purchase was a family decision as it's a family-run business with their new college graduate daughters leading marketing and design.        

While the business was purchased as of 4/1/2023, Kevan and Marsha Bennett stayed on to help transition and introduce their customer base to the new owners. Many people have asked - why keep the name? Emerick/Robinson felt passionate about ensuring that the existing customer base knew that the thirty-plus years of serving the Riverbend community was still a focal point. Kevan and Marsha spent almost 90 days walking through the existing customer services to ensure that those needs could continue to be met.        

While the name didn't change much, the address of B&B did. Emerick/Robinson took the opportunity to move locations to 237 E. Delmar (next to Alton Target). And, as their new name suggests: B&B Custom Gifts and Apparel, they've added another focus to the already broad array of products they offer. In addition to custom embroidery, screen printing, transfers, and all types of signage, they also offer custom gifts for any occasion and added engraving and canvas photo print to their robust portfolio.        Emerick/Robinson wants to continue the relationships that B&B has built in the community and that includes the RBGA. They hope to build a strong network with the business community and continue the partnership in serving the Riverbend community.     

RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 2021

Bakers & Hale is a locally owned and operated restaurant that opened in August 2018. The ownership group consists of many members of the Baker family (and their spouses) which originates out of Shipman, IL. Kelsi Baker Walden had a dream of opening a restaurant and her family stepped in to support making that dream become a reality.

We are proud to be one of the only farm to table restaurants in the St. Louis Metro East – located on the north end of Godfrey, IL. Not only do we purchase the freshest of ingredients from local suppliers, we also have our own garden on site where we grow many of our own vegetables and herbs (tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, chives, basil, dill, oregano, and more). The only freezer at our restaurant is the size of your standard home refrigerator. By using only fresh ingredients, our plates are full of flavor and will leave a lasting impression on your group wanting to return for more!      

We approach each client relationship with the same care and dedication we would give to our own nonprofit. We believe that success lies in the details, and our team is committed to assisting both established nonprofits and startups in streamlining day-to-day operations, ensuring marketing and branding consistency, developing impactful programs, conducting thorough Board of Directors restructuring and analysis, and much more. 

Our founder and lead consultant brings to the table an extensive background in the nonprofit sector, spanning nearly a decade. He is not only a seasoned consultant but also a passionate advocate for social causes. As the founder of two successful nonprofits, Amare and Renegade Gardens, and having served on multiple boards in pivotal roles such as president, board member, and vice president, Ty possesses a wealth of hands-on experience in diverse areas. 

RBGA Small Business of the Month- September 2014

Bella Milano is contemporary Italian with old world flavor. Our intimate seating perfectly mixes class and elegance with modern simplicity. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as exquisite Italian appetizers, entrees and desserts stimulate your senses.

We feature seasonal menus to ensure our guests enjoy the best when it’s in season. Enjoy Bella Milano favorites, such as bruschetta, toasted ravioli, Milano’s Salad, handmade brick oven pizzas, pastas, seafood, steak, Chicken Parmigiano, Marsala, and Stasilli, veal, pork, and more.

We have a children’s menu, making Bella Milano a perfect dining option for the entire family. We also offer gluten free options. Our desserts are also made in house and include cannoli, bananas foster, tiramisu, spumoni, crème brûlée, Sicilian chocolate cake, and more. Our extensive wine list, draught beers, and full bar impresses all of our guests.

We can cater any event, including large weddings and corporate events. We also offer private dining rooms in our restaurant, capable of accommodating up to 60 guests, and a beautiful outdoor all-season patio.

The Best Western Premier Alton-St. Louis Area Hotel is perfectly located in Alton, IL a river city along the Mighty Mississippi near the confluence of America’s three great rivers. Just a quick 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis and Busch Stadium, get away from the crowd, and stay with us.

Print a boarding pass, check email or browse in our complimentary Business Center.

Recently engaged? We can host your wedding receptions too! With over 30 years of experience, our team will guide you each step of the way, for your special day! We won’t surprise you with hidden costs, extra charges, or low quality catered food choices! Our contemporary ballroom is suitable for corporate conventions, meetings, social events, fundraisers and more. Only the BEST for your guests! Call us today!

RBGA Small Business of the Month- January 2005

Beverly Farm Foundation is a loving, caring home for adults with developmental disabilities, providing each individual with physical and emotional security and a dignified quality of life, with opportunities and challenges, within each individual’s functional capabilities.    

Beverly Farm is a planned community that nearly 400 individuals with Developmental and Intellectual disabilities call home. There are homes and jobs, a recreation center with a pool, a full dining facility, an equestrian center, shops, a pavilion, all kinds of activities, medical services, therapies, and much more. Cottages, group homes, apartments, and community-based options make up the landscape, people make it home.    

Serving our community since 1980, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois (BBBSIL) is the premier nonprofit mentoring organization in Southwestern Illinois.

We champion hope, transformation, and social good, defending the potential of children who most need it.

BBBSIL develops future leaders, strengthens families, and builds community. We:

• Match at-risk youth (Littles) with professionally supported adult mentors (Bigs)
• Develop mentorship programs with evidence-based models known to have a lasting impact on children’s lives
• Are the only mentorship program in the country recommended by the CDC to prevent adverse childhood experiences and trauma
• Are recognized by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) as a proven prevention strategy
• Driven to make Southwestern Illinois a safe haven where children can grow and thrive, we have developed a network of strategic partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.
• We know that together we can do big things

RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 1996
RBGA Small Business of the Month - June 2015
RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 2020

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RBGA Small Business of the Month- November 2017
RBGA Small Business of the Month - November 2024