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 - 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  

RBGA Small Business of the Month - November 2023  

RBGA Small Business of the Month - August 2013 

     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 - 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 are excited to bring a new vision for honoring an art district to Grafton, offering a platform for artists to showcase their work and for art lovers to discover new talents,” said gallery owner, Gene Smith. “Our grand opening exhibition on May 25, 2024, will be a celebration of creativity and expression while we honor our Veterans. We invite everyone to join us for this special occasion.”

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 - December 2014

From new construction, to remodelers, to do-it-yourselfer's, Kitchen & Bath Center can help you achieve the kitchen or bath of your dreams! All of our consultants are design professionals and use 20/20 kitchen design software to change styles, colors and finishes and show our customers how their finished project will look. Bring in your drawings or measurements of your room and let's get started today.  

Kitchen & Bath Center was started in 1985 by Larry Krotz, who is an Omega Cabinets Design winner. Larry wanted to offer quality cabinetry and design at affordable prices. His wife, Teresa Krotz, joined him in 1986 and Kevin Robinson, sales designer, started in 1998. With these three professional designers, we will help you make your dreams a reality.      

The Mirage Salon + Barbershop is a one-stop shop for the entire family! We offer everything from Men’s barber cuts to full-service Women’s colors and styles! You won’t be disappointed with our amazing team of experienced stylists!