Small Business Saturday is Nov. 27 this year. The day was launched by American Express in 2010 to encourage consumers to “shop small and bring more holiday shopping to small business,” according to its website.
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution in 2011 declaring Nov. 26 of that year Small Business Saturday. Local and state governments have followed suit since, and the promotional holiday has proven a wholesome alternative to “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”
Columbia County is no exception. District 1 Commissioner Connie Melear proclaimed that Nov. 27 as Small Business Day During the Board of Commissioners meeting on Nov. 16. Grovetown Mayor Pro Tem Eric Blair proclaimed the day for Grovetown during its city council meeting on Nov. 8.
“The businesses love the highlight,” said Columbia County Chamber of Commerce president Russell Lahodny, who was present at both meetings to officially accept the proclamations. “The Chamber felt it was a great opportunity to show our small, local businesses some love during a time when a lot of people shop at the big chain stores.”
The Chamber leads the charge in Columbia County in promoting the day, garnering support for area merchants who are members. This year there are 20 participants in its Augusta-area Small Business Saturday Campaign. Several businesses in Martinez on Furys Ferry are among them, including Posh Tots, Escape Outdoors, Toast Wine and Beverage. Top Shelf Cigar in Martinez, Cudos2u in Evans and Southern Smoke Market in Harlem are also participants.
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Many of the participating businesses are offering deals on that day, such as 25% off of purchase. Lahodny cites a study from the U.S. Small Business Administration in noting the economic impact of buying local.
“Studies show that roughly $48 of every $100 spent at a local small business stays locally,” said Lahodny. “This is probably the most significant way the Chamber supports the local economy.”
Columbia County would likely be behooved to encourage this recycling of funds and the recognition of small businesses, considering its growth in recent years. Lahodny refers to small businesses as the as “the heart and soul of our community,” offering the majority of local jobs. The Management and Internal Services Committee, in its recommendation to the commissioners to proclaim Small Business Day this year, noted that local retail sales exceed $1.6 billion.
The Small Business Saturday campaign is open to all local businesses, but the Chamber is able to actively promote those that are members, says Lahodny. He stresses that the day represents an impetus entrepreneurs strive after long before and after the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“People contact us all the time for referrals so we keep the spirit of promoting our businesses year round,” said Lahodny. “As for consumers, we just like to remind them that when they shop local, they support their family, friends and neighbors and support thousands of jobs that are the backbone of our community.”
For more information on Small Business Saturday in Columbia County, visit the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce web page at www.columbiacountychamber.com or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaCountyChamber.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
