CHAMBER VISITS LOCAL RETAILERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce visited a number of local retailers on Tuesday as way to spread awareness about Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 by delivering shop small bags, welcome signs, stickers, and pens through the American Express Shop Small campaign.
Businesses visited included Bandy’s, Byrd Watson Drug Store, Southern Illinois Treasure Hunters, Centralia Coin and Stamp, Inc., Firestone; Hair of the Dog / The Barking Lot, Johnson Jewelers, Schwartz Orchard, and Shoe Sensation. These are just a few of the wonderful small businesses in the Greater Centralia Area.
The Centralia Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to shop small and shop local this holiday season. On average, 70 cents of every dollar spent at local small businesses comes back to the community. In addition to keeping money local, these businesses employ our neighbors, support charitable organizations, and are involved in the community!
Started in 2010, Small Business Saturday is an annual event that encourages shopping at independent or local businesses and serves as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The day is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
A few ways to support independent or small businesses include:
Purchase locally made Christmas presents
Shop at locally owned businesses
Dine at local restaurants
Spread the word on social media
Leaving positive reviews online
Buy gift cards
