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

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 - January 2012

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.

We grow and bake pretty things! Bakery and farm fresh flowers. Looking to brighten up someone’s day? Give them a beautiful bouquet or a box of French Macarons!!

RBGA Small Business of the Month - May 2023

RBGA Small Business of the Month - July 2016

RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 2011

RBGA Small Business of the Month - July 2002

RBGA Small Business of the Month - December 1995

RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 2010
RBGA Small Business of the Month - April 2019

The only real working production winery in Grafton! Enjoy our spacious patios overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi river!  Situated in the heart of historic Grafton along the "Great Rivers Scenic Byway", we are truly a winery designed for all seasons. View the confluence of the Mississippi & Illinois Rivers from our spacious patios or our glass enclosed seating area. 

We offer a full menu at our Downtown Grafton location with everything from shareable items to entrees!

Bed and Breakfast located in the historic Village of Elsah.  Each room has its own private entrance and private bathroom.  Features homemade afternoon "sweet treats" as well as a gourmet home cooked breakfast each morning.  Guests have access to common area stocked with water, soda, coffee and tea.  

Book your small intimate wedding at our outdoor gazebo and let Green Tree Inn host your wedding party.   

RBGA Small Business of the Month - March 2024 

Heather’s Zen Den is a yoga studio founded with the purpose of growing the yoga community in our area. We are located in the revitalized East Gate Plaza in East Alton IL. The studio specializes in offering a warm and welcoming environment of Zen to the community with a variety of yoga classes for everybody. All body types and skill levels are welcome. The studio was founded in 2021 as a dedication to Heather’s brother. Heather’s Zen Den strives to be the destination for zen in the community.

RBGA Small Business of the Month - February 2004
RBGA Small Business of the Month - November 2011
RBGA Small Business of the Month - December 2019

Since 1956 our friendly doctors and staff have earned the trust and respect of our patients for being dedicated to your eye health as well as your vision and the latest look and styles in affordable fashion.

RBGA Small Business of the Month - October 2003
RBGA Small Business of the Month - December 2018

Convenience store with five Riverbend locations:  

• 1818 Washington Ave  Alton, IL 62002  618-465-9402    
• 2345 State St  Alton, IL 62002  618-466-0411
• 900 E Edwardsville Rd.  Wood River, IL 62095  618-254-0148      
• 308 W St Louis Ave.  East Alton, IL 62024  618-259-8587
• 515 N Bellwood Dr.  Bethalto, IL 62010  618-259-4481

Grand opening with ribbon cutting is scheduled for March 18, 2024.

Owned by Melissa Bland, who became an Alton transplant in 2018, Honeybee Vintage offers vintage, antiques, home décor, gifts and upscale resale. “We are a collective of antique lovers in one unique space, with new arrivals every week,” Bland explained.      

Customer favorites include painted furniture, quilts, fruit jars, art pottery, vintage clothing, jewelry, art, embroidered linens, architectural pieces, and garden decor.      

“We love the cottage look, with an affinity for English and French antiques, but love to mix in pieces that speak to the heart of the Midwest, mid-century modern pieces, and upcycled treasures. We also offer a line of furniture paint, and tons of creative inspiration for your home. Also, you don't want to miss our ‘bee-tique’ of new and upscale resale clothing for children,” Bland added.      

The Air Force brought the Bland family to the area, but Bland and her family have decided to stay, due to the “unique charm and historic character of Alton,” as Bland noted. “We fell in love with our house first, but quickly returned the embrace of our Middletown neighborhood and have enjoyed putting down roots in Alton after almost 30 years of military life.”        

RBGA Small Business of the Month - March 2007
Small Business of the Year 2007

Being a family-owned & operated business is why we are where we are today. From two employees in our original pizza parlor to now more than 5,000 across 100 stores in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, we have never strayed from our family's values to make every customer feel comfortable and welcome.    

Our quality starts with ingredients. From fresh ground meats and our family's homemade sauce to delicious vegetables and full strips of bacon, every topping that covers your crispy, edge-to-edge St. Louis-style pizza is of the highest quality.    

As the originators of the “St. Louis-Style Pizza,” it has been an honor to be part of family dinners, friends' nights, game nights, and countless celebrations since 1964. We promise always to deliver the best and freshest products, so our fans can continue to pass on the tradition from one generation to the next.