ARTICLE
Even in an era when the perception is that bigger is better, small businesses continue to outdo themselves in our county. We are so fortunate to have a wide variety of small, locally owned businesses, spread from Hanover to Findley Lake to Jamestown and all points in between. There are stores that sell clothing, books, furniture and home goods, pet items, specialty foods, locally produced goods, local wines, and so much more. All of these items can be great gifts for the holidays ahead. For the fifth year in a row the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce signed on to be a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday on November 30. Small Business Saturday was launched just a decade ago by American Express as a way to encourage holiday shoppers to support small, independent businesses. It has caught on in a big way and the Chamber is proud to be part of the movement. This year, three of our Community Chambers have jumped in to participate in Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Jamestown. The Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Dunkirk to host a Small Business Saturday pop-up market at the D & F Plaza. From noon-5pm on November 30, more than 30 vendors will sell their wares in the former JC Penney location in Dunkirk, where kids can also visit Santa Claus, and families can enjoy entertainment and purchase Shoptauqua gift cards from the Chamber. In Fredonia, Small Business Saturday on November 30 kicks off a week-long Shop Local event promoted jointly by the Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce and Festivals Fredonia. Shoppers can pick up a shopping passport, have it stamped at dozens of local merchants when they shop throughout the week, and then submit it for a prize drawing which will be held during Miracle on Main the following weekend. In Jamestown, the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce will host a free visit with Santa from noon-2pm on Small Business Saturday at the Chamber office at 300 North Main Street. There will be a coloring contest for kids, snacks, and an opportunity for shoppers to purchase Shoptauqua gift cards and to enter the Jamestown Up Close Shop Small Win Big drawing. Recent studies by American Express note that for each dollar spent at a small, local business, 67-cents stays right here in our community. That means when you shop small, you make a big impact on your local community. Conversely, when you shop only online from far flung merchants, none of that purchase makes a difference for your friends and neighbors. Shopping small is shopping smart, and you’ll be surprised at the bargains and unique gifts you’ll find. The true focus of the day is to encourage people to sample the fabulous array of small, local businesses here in Chautauqua County. Watch for our newspaper ads that list a variety of local gift shops, museum shops, and local restaurants participating. Shop small. Shop local. Shoptauqua! Our wish for everyone in Chautauqua County is a Happy Thanksgiving, and a holiday season ahead filled with joy, cheer, and thriving businesses in right here in our communities.