As we count down the days until the holiday season begins, many of us are planning our shopping strategy to make sure we get our loved ones those special gifts. I know many people may be focused on Black Friday, but please remember that the very next day is Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29. The […]
As we count down the days until the holiday season begins, many of us are planning our shopping strategy to make sure we get our loved ones those special gifts. I know many people may be focused on Black Friday, but please remember that the very next day is Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29.
The mantra for the day is “Shop Small,” but I encourage you to follow this motto every day of the year. Shopping locally has a big impact on our communities.
Studies estimate that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 will remain in our own communities. In comparison, about 60 percent of local money spent at non-locally owned businesses leaves the community.
Not only are small businesses the biggest employers in our economy, but they are more likely to do business with other small businesses, meaning more money stays in our hometowns.
I would love to see a revival of small businesses throughout the Mohawk Valley and the North Country, which is why I am so pleased when my staff and I are able to help navigate a business through any governmental obstacles and issues they may face. This is why I am proud to fight for our mom-and-pop shops by voting to cut red tape and taxes.
It is clear that our small businesses reinvest in the communities they love. Often we see them sponsor youth sports, help with downtown-improvement projects, and assist families in need. Our local small-business owners, the moms-and-pops of our hometowns, care about us, and we should show our appreciation for them.
Again, I encourage you all to take some time on Nov. 29 to participate in Small Business Saturday and to support small businesses beyond that day.
Marc W. Butler (R,C,I–Newport) is a New York State Assemblyman for the 118th District, which encompasses parts of Oneida, Herkimer, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as all of Hamilton and Fulton counties. Contact him at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us