County executive encourages residents to shop local on Small Business Saturday
Goshen. Event is held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving
| 23 Nov 2020 | 10:04
Nicole Repose, owner of Etched in Time in Warwick, is a strong supporter of Small Business Saturday. File photo by Roger Gavan. (
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Sandra Fuentes, the owner of Bliss Boutique with her husband David, relaxes outside her shop on West Main Street in the Village of Goshen. Their shop carries “something for everyone,” said Fuentes. The WELCOME sign says it all: Come in and browse. Photo by Geri Corey.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Tourism Director Amanda Dana are asking residents and visitors alike to take part in Small Business Saturday (SBS) in Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 28.
“Now more than ever, we must support our local businesses as they continue to navigate through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Neuhaus said in the release detailing his recommendation. “If you cannot shop in person, you can still purchase goods from these merchants online and on their social media pages. The men and women who run these businesses are our friends and neighbors and are the backbone of Orange County’s economy. Let’s all make a concerted effort to support our local businesses, especially during this holiday season, and help them weather this storm.”
9,000 small businesses in Orange County
There are approximately 9,000 small businesses in Orange County and for every $100 spent locally, $73 stays in the economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are approximately 31.7 million small businesses in the U.S. The SBA noted that small businesses tend to hire employees who live in or near the communities in which they operate, which increases local employment rates.
Small Business Saturday is held nationally every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is dedicated to supporting the local businesses that are a critical component of the health and success of our communities and economies. Launched in 2010 and placed on Facebook at facebook.com/shopsmall, SBS received 1.2 million ‘likes’ in its first month. The U. S. Senate officially recognized Small Business Saturday in 2011.
‘A safe shopping adventure’
“When you shop locally, you are boosting the economy and strengthening the fabric of the community,” Neuhaus said. “I encourage residents to support our neighborhood shops and restaurants, not just on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the entire year.”
“Tis the Season to Shop Local,” Dana added. “There are so many great shops in Orange County to grab the perfect gift for that special someone. Make the day a safe shopping adventure in one of our beautiful downtowns.”