: Winnebago Buy Local hosted the fourth annual “A Local Holiday Market” last Saturday at Rockford University’s Regent’s Hall and featuring more than 30 local vendors with unique products and services. (Chronicle photo)

Sunshine streamed through oversized plate glass windows while a disc jockey spun holiday favorites as a steady stream of visitors checked wares from more than 30 local businesses last Saturday at Rockford University’s Regent’s Hall.

The annual “A Local Holiday Market” offered one-stop shopping with unique items and services plus the assurance that money spent will stay right here instead of landing in some far off corporate coffers.

Winnebago Buy Local, a local economic advocacy group, hosted the event for the fourth straight holiday season.

“When you buy local more money stays here in our community through local business owners and it benefits parks, police, fire and the overall feel of the community,” said Lauren Davis, president of Winnebago Buy Local and owner of Culture Shock Clothing and Record Store. “It’s also about the community spirit. There’s a sense of pride and a sense ownership that you have in your community when you buy local.”

Shoppers moved past inner and outer rings of tables overflowing with offerings ranging from sweets and treats to clothing, jewelry, toys, home decor and design, coffees and teas and retro items.

There were even Rockford-themed gifts and services.

Winnebago Buy Local is a coalition of businesses, organizations and citizens formed in 2010 to support each other and encourage residents to buy locally.

The group now claims more than 200 members from throughout the greater Rockford area.

It also advocates a monthly Eat Local effort, supporting local restaurants and cafes while also buy from local farmer’s markets. Winnebago Buy Local also hosts an ice cream social in July.

“Your dollars spent in locally owned businesses have three times the impact on your community as dollars spent at national chains,” Winnebago Buy Local proclaims on its web site. “When shopping locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.”

More information and resources is available at winnebagobuylocal.com and other social media outlets.

— One-stop Local Holiday Market is win-win for shoppers, businesses —