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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Michiganders Encouraged to Shop Local for "Small Business Saturday"

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Friday, November 28, 2014   

BRIGHTON, Mich. - While many Michigan shoppers will pack the malls and big box stores today for the annual Black Friday deals and steals, a growing number will take part in a newer tradition tomorrow: Small Business Saturday.

Lisa Nelson owns Hush Intimate Apparel, a women's boutique in downtown Brighton. Her store is one of many offering special promotions to encourage shoppers to buy from locally-owned businesses. According to Nelson, small retailers make a big impact.

"Without small businesses, downtowns go away," she says. "Without a thriving downtown, your community suffers. A thriving downtown helps the tax base and increases the values of homes."

The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that buying locally keeps three times as much money in local economies, compared to shopping at national chain stores. Last year, shoppers spent $5.7 billion at independent merchants on Small Business Saturday, up nearly four percent from the previous year.

Nelson says she appreciates the support the community has shown for Small Business Saturday. From school fundraisers to sporting events, she says small businesses support their communities every day.

"I am the community. Most of us business owners live here, we work here, we eat here, we shop here," says Nelson. "I have four to five employees at any given time. These employees go out, and they're able to bank here, and then, reinvest here."

While some may make all their buying decisions based on convenience and price, Nelson says smaller, specialty stores like hers offer a level of expertise and service larger retailers simply can't provide.

"They know what's new, and they know what's been discontinued," she says. "We can tell you what it's been replaced with, or we can make a recommendation for something that's similar. We live and breathe this all day, every day."

Many communities across the state have turned Small Business Saturday into events with special promotions and entertainment. More information on participating Michigan retailers is at the Shop Small website at www.shopsmall.com.


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