November 28:  Small Business Saturday

The CV Chamber supports all businesses in our community, large and small. One day a year, we join in a national movement to support the smaller businesses among us.

It all started in 2010. Small Business Saturday encouraged people across the country to support small, local businesses. In 2011, the day became official. From Washington, D.C. to Washington State, governors, mayors, senators and even President Obama voiced their support for Small Business Saturday. The following year, 73.9 million shoppers supported Small Business Saturday. And in 2014, shoppers supported their neighborhood businesses like never before continuing to embrace the day as a holiday shopping tradition. An estimated $14.3 billion was spent by 88 million people at small independent businesses on that day.

This year could be even bigger. If you’re a small business owner, make the day eventful at your shop with decorations and promotions. If you’re a shopper, venture into that little boutique you’ve driven by a hundred times, buy a gift certificate from your favorite spa or salon, drop in for lunch at a new restaurant, or order holiday flowers from a local florist. If you’re not sure which small businesses to support, stop into the Chamber office for our 2015-2016 Best Business Directory or check out our online directory at www.crescentavalleychamber.org/directory.

How does your patronage of local businesses help our community? Money spent at local businesses, large or small, goes right back into communities. According to the “3/50 Project,” a Minneapolis-based small business advocacy organization, for every $100 spent at local, independent stores, $68 returns to the community.

Here are a few other ways shopping locally help communities.

Local Involvement. Local businesses are often the ones that give back to local schools and community events. It is all part of a good neighbor policy. By shopping small, you are indirectly supporting these community-minded efforts.

Local Jobs. When you shop local, you’re putting money into the pockets of local workers. Those people are likely to spend it in town, creating a chain reaction.

One-of-a-kind Items. Many independent retailers offer unique merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. They draw people to the community and give style to a shopping district.

Community Identity. The visual impression of a community is very important.  With thriving small businesses, the impression can be one of vitality and wealth, creating positive vibes for the whole community.

Personal Relationships. Many small businesses are managed by the owner. These people are invested in building relationships with community members. These days, shopping is not as much about the product you are buying as it is about the relationships and transaction at the shop.

Increase the Tax Base. When you shop locally, tax money is staying in town.  You’re benefitting your own schools and police department. Shopping at local businesses creates a bigger tax revenue benefit for the entire community.

So shop local this weekend and give a gift to the whole Crescenta Valley.