ShopSmall_BlueThe Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce today announced its endorsement of and participation in the fourth annual Small Business Saturday on November 30th. Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the day has given small businesses across the country a huge boost.

Recognizing the importance of supporting small independently-owned businesses in the community, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce announced their support for Small Business Saturday and its Neighborhood Champion program.   The greater Brownwood/Brown County area is encouraged to take part in Small Business Saturday on November 30th.

In order to help rally communities around the day, American Express created a Neighborhood Champions program, working with business organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the U.S. Black Chambers the Latino Coalition and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, to support communities in organizing Small Business Saturday events throughout the country. Shoppers at local events may have the opportunity to pick up Shop Small® items like tote bags, buttons and balloons.

Laura Terhune CEO of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce noted, “We urge shoppers to support locally owned small businesses as much as possible. Every dollar that is spent with a locally-owned business circulates an estimated seven times before leaving our community. ” She continued, “It’s especially important during the holiday shopping season that Brown County residents ‘Shop Local’ whenever they can. By doing this, you are supporting local jobs, local government and local projects with every dollar spent.”

Small business owners can take advantage of free marketing tools and consumers can find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday by visiting www.shopsmall.com.