By SHERRY DIGMON
News Staff Writer
Saturday, November 24, has been designated Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities, according to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). Consumers are encouraged to support their local small business by shopping at a small business.
Mayor Jim Staff issued the following proclaiming designating Small Business Saturday in Atmore:
Whereas, the government of Atmore, Alabama, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are currently 30.2 million small businesses in the United States, they represent 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees in the United States, are responsible for 65.9 percent of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2017; and
Whereas, small businesses employ 47.5 percent of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and
Whereas, 90% of consumers in the United States say Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community; 89% of consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday said the day encourages them to Shop Small all year long; and 73% of consumers who reportedly Shopped Small at independently-owned retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday did so with friends or family; and
Whereas, the most reported reason for consumers aware of the day to shop and dine at small, independently-owned businesses was to support their community (64%); and
Whereas, Atmore, Alabama, supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our communities; and advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Jim Staff, Mayor of the City of Atmore, County of Escambia, State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the Municipal laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim November 24th as Small Business Saturday in the City of Atmore, Alabama, and encourage its citizens to “shop in Atmore.”
The Chamber and the Elf on the Shelf®
According to Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Wilson, the Chamber is promoting Small Business Saturday by launching a fun activity kicking off that Saturday, November 24, and going through close of business on December 19.
The following is from the Chamber:
The Elf on the Shelf® is a magical Christmas tradition recognized in households around the world. This year the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce has received notice that a magical scout elf will be sent from the North Pole by Santa to Atmore, Alabama on Saturday, November 24th. Carney the Elf will visit local Chamber Member Businesses from November 24th until Wednesday, December 19th. During this time community members will be invited to #DiscoverAtmore and find where the little scout elf Carney, has landed each night upon its return to Atmore for a fun-filled, holiday scavenger hunt.
On Carney’s last day in Atmore it will leave a stocking stuffed with gifts, discounts, and treats to the Chamber. This stocking will be presented to one lucky qualifying winner. The winning submission will be drawn on Thursday, December 20, at 10 a.m.