RBGA Small Business of the Month - December 2000

Originally founded in 1933, the Alton Little Theater is in its 89th consecutive season (2022-2023). ALT is the longest-running community theater in the state of Illinois. With more than 500 productions to date, ALT is a vital resource for theater arts and entertainment and takes pride in community partnerships and collaborations with other arts organizations that enrich the lives of those residing in the greater Riverbend area. 

RBGA Small Business of the Month - March 2023 

Alton's newest affordable, family-friendly, entertainment experience debuted in the Summer of 2021. Games are played at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, IL.

RBGA Small Business of the Month - July 1998
RBGA Small Business of the Month - October 2009
RBGA Small Business of the Month - August 2014
RBGA Small Business of the Month - September 2019

In 1974, Andy's Automotive opened its doors and heart to the communities of Alton, IL, Godfrey, IL, Bethalto, IL, and surrounding areas. For almost 50 years, we have prided ourselves on being the kind of auto service you can rely on to get your vehicles' needs met with honesty and integrity.    

Whether you are shopping for tires among some of our wonderful brands like, Firestone, Cooper, or BFGoodrich®, or asking about one of the many automotive repair services we provide, such as brake repair or wheel alignments, Andy's Automotive has got you covered. We provide all the perks of a locally owned business, with quality of service and brands of the bigger auto stores! Don't settle for anything less.     

Premium Cigars sold in an inviting lounge for your enjoyment.

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!      

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.

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.    

RBGA Small Business of the Month- November 2017  

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.