Think Local. Shop Local.

My first job was in my mom's small business. She owned a retail shop where she sold art, crafts, jewelry, and natural foods. I spent a lot of time working there, assisting customers, stocking shelves, helping Mom with purchasing decisions, and changing window displays.

From that experience, I learned that owning a small business is a lot of work. I also learned that it's very meaningful to operate a business and to be responsible for all of the decisions that keep it open and thriving.

Small businesses help our communities and families thrive. Join me in supporting Small Business Saturday by thinking local, today and everyday.

Small businesses drive our economy. They provide personalized service in neighbor-friendly settings and create jobs for local residents.

But it's not easy for them to compete with big box stores and online retailers.

Let's help them. Please join me in shopping locally, especially today, on Small Business Saturday.

Thank you for standing with me and with small businesses,

Suzanne