Shop Small: Shop Local & Dine Local.
2016 was the first time the Chamber really got involved in this event and, after its success, we're pleased to continue with our involvement and support. This national movement was started by American Express and is a great way to wrap up Thanksgiving and to kick off Christmas shopping on a local level.
The program was formed as part of a collaborative effort between the Chamber, county, towns, and several of the local retailers to encourage the public to shop local first! Each partner helped man a Welcome Station arranged in each of the towns for participants to pick up a passport to be signed at at least four retailers to enter them to win a gift card donated by a local business. Welcome Centers and participating businesses had free swag for our Small Business Saturday shoppers to rock around town and to help them transport all of their parcels.
We're already getting excited for this coming year and are discussing ideas and promotions for this year's event on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Businesses are encouraged to sign up for their own swag (i.e. tote bags, stickers, pens, and more) as soon as possible (this typically opens in September) at www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small. Keep an eye out for more in the summer/early fall.
