Shop Locally

Posted by Lake Superior Community Partnership on November 25, 2015

With the holiday season underway, we often think about everything that we are thankful for. Here in Marquette County we truly have many reasons to be grateful. We are lucky to live in this wonderful community surrounded by amazing organizations, businesses and people. For the LSCP, we want to thank all of our partners and stakeholders who assist in economic development in our region. By working together we make Marquette County a great place to live, work and play!
This week is the perfect time to celebrate all of the small businesses who invest in our communities. We are so fortunate to have so many thriving small businesses. They employ our friends, family and neighbors and have a big impact on our local economy. Here at the LSCP, we are extremely thankful to work with these businesses and watch them grow. This time of year, when you are planning to step up your shopping game, please remember to support them. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are just days away and the perfect time to visit some of these shops and restaurants.
Small Business Saturday, which is November 28, began in 2010 as a way to encourage people across the country to support local business. In 2014, it was estimated that $14.3 billion was spent across the country at small independent businesses on that day. Visit www.shopsmall.com for information on how to participate in the movement and to get some additional marketing materials.
Here are a few stats from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2014 that show just how impactful small business is in a community:
• There are 23 million small businesses in the country.
• Small businesses have increased by 49% since 1982.
• 54% of U.S. sales happen at small businesses.
• Small businesses have created 8 million jobs since 1990.
• Franchised small businesses employ roughly 8 million people and make up 40% of all American retail jobs.
Consider this, if you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy (Civic Economics Study in Grand Rapids, MI). That is nearly 70% of every dollar spent!
Watch for an eblast from the LSCP later this week featuring many of the deals and events taking place at LSCP partner businesses on Small Business Saturday. Are you an LSCP partner? Send your Small Business Saturday specials to lscp@marquette.org by Tuesday, November 24 to be listed in this eblast. Not a partner but looking for more information? Visit www.marquette.org and click participate.
Shopping in western Marquette County? Remember to turn in your receipts to the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce (910 US Hwy 41 W, Ishpeming) from now until December 22. For every $50 you spend locally, you will be entered to win prizes. What a great way to support your locally owned businesses!
This holiday weekend and throughout the season, the LSCP encourages you to support the small businesses that support and invest in our community!

Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column for the Mining Journal.