Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since it started in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $103 billion across all Small Business Saturdays combined and 2019 marks the 10th annual Small Business Saturday. The Chamber has been a “neighborhood champion” for four years. In our role we are an ambassador for the movement and we partner with the Downtown Association to help organize community events to encourage residents to support our local small businesses.
The reason is simple.
In addition to the fact that 80% of our members are small businesses it has been shown that;
• Every dollar spent locally has the impact of three dollars on the local economy
• For every $100 you spend locally $68 will remain in the community as compared to $14 at a major chain outlet.
• Small businesses are job creators and when you shop with them you help create more jobs for firefighters, police officers and other essential professions.
• Small businesses have been shown to donate up to four times more than large chain stores to community nonprofits including little league, United Way and much more.
• Small businesses offer unique products and outstanding customer service.
This year we are celebrating Small Business Saturday by;
• Offering free parking at the Chamber
• Setting up Chamber member vendor tables inside the chamber for home-based businesses that would like to showcase their holiday items to customers from 10 AM to 2 PM. Space is limited so if you would like to participate contact Trish at 970-263-2912.
• Providing cookies and cocoa to get you in the mood
Also, the Downtown Association will be offering free carriage rides from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Santa and Mrs. Clause will be on hand to visit with kids of all ages. If you are not a small business or do not have a storefront we urge you to participate by saving some of your holiday spending dollars for Small Business Saturday and visit the Chamber and all of our locally owned shops along Main Street.