November 27, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 15 Remember to ‘Shop small’ on Small Business Saturday Local residents are urged to support their local businesses on Small Business Satur- day, which will be observed on Nov. 30 this year. Area residents are invited to partici- pate in this annual event, which highlights the benefits of shopping locally. As an added incentive, special discounts will be offered. American Express, a found- ing partner of Small Business Saturday, is offering a $10 credit when registered Amer- ican Express cardholders spend $10 or more at a qualifying small business location on Nov. 30. Eligible American Express cards must be registered online at ShopSmall. com. Registration is limited, and is now open. The registration period will continue until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on Nov. 30, 2013, unless the registration limit is reached sooner. Shoppers should then use their regis- tered cards on Nov. 30 to spend $10 or more in a single, in-store transaction at a qualify- ing location that appears on the Small Busi- ness Saturday Map, which is available on ShopSmall.com. “In an age of national chains and big corporate advertising, our communities are losing a sense of local character and the value of choice,” said Midland Park Cham- ber of Commerce President Dr. Lori Nuzzi. “It’s time to consider the real costs to a com- munity that loses its locally owned business base. Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy. Ensure choice and diversity, demand excellent customer service, and get the best value for you time and money: Shop locally. We appreciate your business.” Nicolette “Nickie” Lisella, president of the Allendale Chamber of Commerce, added, “What a shame it would be if the downtown or Main Street in our local towns dissolved due to residents’ lack of support! Imagine if your only option to shop was the (continued on page 17)