Aurora, It’s Your Business Focuses on the Impact of Downtown Businesses
Episode Four with Brian Failing, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Karen Nicholas, Yellow Bird Books
 
Aurora, IL — 5/29/25 — The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) announces its fourth episode of Aurora, It’s Your Business, a program on Aurora Cable Television (ACTV) geared toward shining a light on the people and companies shaping the future of the Aurora region.
 
Hosted by Kelly O’Brien, president & CEO of the Alliance, the program airs twice each month and features business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are driving growth, innovation, and opportunity in the Aurora region.
 
Episode Four with Brian Failing, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Karen Nicholas, Yellow Bird Books
 
On this episode, O’Brien welcomed Brian Failing, executive director of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Karen Nicholas, owner and founder of Yellow Bird Books, to talk about their passion for getting involved in the community and providing services that enhance the local experience as well as upcoming events locals and visitors can expect to find this summer.
 
Failing began talking about the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, housed in the historic 1894 Aurora Central Fire Station. It offers two floors of exhibits, both permanent and temporary, as well as an interactive children’s discovery room, which will be fully renovated as of this fall. He also noted the Alliance’s generous support of its free museum days this summer on the first Tuesday of each month (June 3, July 1, and August 5).
 
Nicholas spoke of her entrepreneurial pivot from preschool teacher to bookstore owner, noting the value of doing research and seeking out resources and support both here in Aurora at the Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College and nationally through the American Booksellers Association. Hard work paid off for her dream, and Yellow Bird Books will be celebrating two years in business this summer.
 
Failing offered insight as to his involvement with museum associations both at the state and national levels. He also noted that the Aurora Regional Fire Museum is unique in Illinois for having permanent paid staff and regular hours.
 
Nicholas talked about the many events at Yellow Bird Books this summer that include a variety of book clubs (poetry, single-night reads, and one with the Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board) as well as craft days, children’s story times, and author visits. More information about all these events and more can be found on the store’s website.
 
As leaders in the Downtown Aurora community, both talked about the importance of supporting other businesses in the area. Failing said, “If the museum is doing well, the businesses down the street are also likely doing well. Together, we can contribute to moving things forward and making this a great place to visit and support.”
 
Nicholas noted her family’s 16-year involvement in the community and the growth she has seen in that time, saying that contributing to the city was always something she wanted. “I believe you need to create the community you want to live in.” Now, she celebrates the way community members of all ages have embraced her and the store.
 
To learn more about these downtown businesses and experience all they have to offer, check out their websites and stop by for a visit.

• Aurora Regional Fire Museum (53 N. Broadway)

• Yellow Bird Books (34 S. Stolp)

 
Watch Episode Four Now
Watch Episode Four of Aurora, It’s Your Business at this link: https://youtu.be/InR9u-wfI7A. Stay tuned for more great things from these two community supporters as well as more episodes of Aurora, It’s Your Business.
 
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The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) is an Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce corporation charged with fostering equitable and sustainable economic growth. By joining forces through the Alliance, the region will present a unified front in support of existing businesses, advocate for a positive economic environment, amplify the voices of women- and minority-owned businesses, and attract investment. Its work will support and complement Aurora’s development and redevelopment initiatives by marketing the city’s assets and competitive advantages and supporting existing businesses.
 
The organization was established to unite the efforts of Invest Aurora, the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce, and Aurora Downtown, forming an umbrella organization that provides the collaborative structure necessary for greater impact. It became officially operational in January 2025.
 
For more information, press only:
 
Victoria Maldonado
Communications
victoria@auroraalliance.org
 
For more information: www.auroraregionaleconomicalliance.org