As the Mayor of Salem, Virginia, I proclaim November 25th, 2023 as Small Business Saturday in the City of Salem. We celebrate this day to recognize and support our local small businesses and their contributions to our community and economy.
In the United States, small businesses represent 99.7% of all firms with paid employees, responsible for creating 62.7% of net new jobs since 1995 and employing 46.4% of employees in the private sector. Moreover, every dollar spent at a small business stays within the local community, generating an additional $0.48 in local business activity due to employees and local businesses purchasing goods and services from each other. According to a survey conducted by advocacy groups and public/private organizations across the country, 72% of consumers reported that Small Business Saturday 2022 made them want to shop at independent retailers and restaurants all year long.
Small businesses are crucial to our community’s economic well-being, preserving communities and creating job opportunities. The City of Salem supports these businesses wholeheartedly, recognizing their importance in boosting the local economy while maintaining unique neighborhoods and diverse communities.
I encourage residents in our city and across the nation to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday this year by shopping locally throughout the holiday season. By doing so, we can contribute to economic growth while preserving the character of our communities for future generations to enjoy. In signing this proclamation, I am joined by Council Members Renée Ferris Turk, Jim Wallace, H. Hunter Holliday, Bill Jones, Randy Foley; Clerk of Council H. Robert Light affixed his signature on behalf of The City of Salem’s commitment to supporting small businesses on this important day.
