Rep. Yvonne Selcer Encourages 'Think Local, Buy Local' On Small Business Saturday

By State Rep. Yvonne Selcer (48A)

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  For many of us, Thanksgiving is marked by time with family and a delicious meal.  If you’re planning to go on the hunt for bargains on “Black Friday” after Thanksgiving, I strongly encourage you to take part in “Small Business Saturday” on November 30th, as well.

As a member of the Small Business Caucus, I know small businesses are a crucial part of the engine that makes Minnesota’s economy run.  “Small Business Saturday” started in 2010 as a way to promote small, locally owned and operated retailers during the holiday shopping season.

Over the last few months, the Small Business Caucus has been touring local businesses in several locations around the state.  Here are just a few reasons why shopping local helps our local economy from a source at Sustainable Connections:

Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses and service providers -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Keep our community unique: The places where we shop contribute to a feeling of being at home.  Unique businesses add character and personality to our community.

Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. This generally means contributing less congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally.  They provide good jobs to residents of our communities.

I’m always happy to hear new ways that the Small Business Caucus can help locally owned businesses be successful and create more jobs and I look forward to hearing from you.

I hope you experience the same joy this time of year brings my family, and I wish you all a happy holiday season!