As the Chamber of Commerce prepares for another Cash Mob event for February at Kaleidoscope Wellness for Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m., I am being asked, "What is a Cash Mob?"

A "Mancos Cash Mob" is a fun way for people to swamp a small, local business with a lot of business activity in one day. Folks spend their money, en masse, and give that business owner a rush of economic stimulus. You will see old friends, meet new friends, enjoy some refreshments and maybe do a little shopping for Valentine's Day.

Kaleidoscope is an eclectic mix of music, books, art, clothing and wellness services. Everyone is invited to come explore one of our local businesses and learn what it has to offer. Someone in your life might appreciate a gift certificate for a massage, or how about those Zumba classes for a little Latin fun?

The "Mancos Cash Mob" evolved from the Chamber of Commerce's shop local project called "Mancos Valley First." The next step was to inform people about the businesses that exist in the Valley so that they know where to shop or who to call for services and resources. Thus, the Chamber of Commerce website was upgraded to accommodate a business directory that is now available at www.mancosvalley.com.

After identifying businesses and entering them into the upgraded Chamber of Commerce website, creating "Mancos Valley First" stickers and distributing them, now comes the fun, "A Mancos Cash Mob." This is the time we show our support for a local business by spending a little of our cash. It's the time to experience the great hospitality of one of our local, small town businesses.

So far, the Chamber of Commerce has sponsored "Cash Mob" events at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, Artisans of Mancos, Raven House Gallery, Olio and Zuma Natural Foods. If you would like to host a "Mancos Cash Mob" event at your business, please call 533-7434 or send an e-mail to chamber@mancosvalley.com. Hope to see you this Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m., at Kaleidoscope Wellness, 233 E. Park.