by Brian Hedgepeth

Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc., is proud to announce its participation in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 to support independent businesses in Franklin and Southampton County. FSEDI is partnering with the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Franklin Association to promote and celebrate Small Business Saturday. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now in its fifth year, Small Business Saturday has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small and show their neighborhood pride.

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, FSEDI is pleased to announce our participation and partnership in Small Business Saturday and the Neighborhood Champion program. American Express created the Neighborhood Champions program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country.

As someone who runs a small business and works with our local businesses on a daily basis I understand and appreciate the impact of choosing to conduct business locally. I can personally attest to the fact that shopping small has a huge impact on our local economy and a variety of studies suggest the same impact. In 2013, The Huffington Post released a statistic stating local business generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square feet than “big box” retailers. Small businesses embody our nation’s spirit, define the Franklin-Southampton Community, and serve your family’s needs each and every day.

On Nov. 29, I encourage you to take part in our Small Business Saturday shopping event at local businesses, retail shops, restaurants, salons and more. Be sure to stop by to support local businesses and receive Shop Small giveaways like tote bags, buttons and stickers.

Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials on www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday. Small business owners and shoppers can also check out the FSEDI Facebook page for more information and deals about Small Business Saturday. Join our Facebook Event “Shop Small Saturday-Franklin Southampton Area” to see local deals, promotions and where to get your Shop Small giveaways.

Behind every small business is a dream worth supporting. I will be shopping small on Small Business Saturday and I would encourage you to do the same on Nov. 29. #shopsmall

BRIAN HEDGEPETH is on the FSEDI Board of Directors and he is the CEO of Bronco Federal Credit Union. He can be reached at 659-6000.