Beaufort County has a few gems that need polishing. They are the staples that make living here unique, our small businesses.
Today is Small Business Saturday; a day millions of shoppers will show their appreciation for small businesses by spending time and money in them.
If you value the extra care Russell’s takes when wrapping gifts purchased there, prove it by stopping in today.
If you love that employees at Stewart’s Jewelry know you by name and Washington Jewelers custom-made your engagement ring, see what the stores have for the holidays.
If you spend every Sunday having breakfast at the Old Town Country Kitchen, grab a few friends and see what today’s specials are.
When we think about economic development, we often overlook the contributions of small businesses. We want more businesses to come to the area, but forget to support the ones that are here.
Dan Danner, CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business, said small businesses create half the private sector jobs in this country.
“Small Business Saturday gives us a chance to show our appreciation and to help America’s job creators in a very real way, by patronizing small shops, restaurants and service providers,” Danner said. “Anything that helps with sales is certainly appreciated by small-business owners, many of whom have struggled to stay afloat in a rough and uncertain economy.”
No season is more important than Christmas season for small businesses. Catherine Glover, director of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, said many of the businesses depend on the Christmas season to get them through the first few months of the year.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy in Beaufort County and supporting them means you are supporting jobs for citizens and supporting the future growth of our area,” Glover said.
The best way to start this season is by showing goodwill to local businesses today. Isn’t that what this season is all about?