November 27, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 13 ‘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 mall. Not only is it an investment of one’s time getting there and then finding parking, but most of the malls in our area have the same big box stores. “The nice thing about shopping locally is that you can park your car once, walk to all the shops, grab a bite to eat, and you’re done! Plus our little town of Allendale is decorated beautifully for the holidays. I have always enjoyed bumping into people I know from town while shopping, and because I don’t have to rush like a lunatic. I can take a few moments and chat. For me, shopping locally is the best choice. I hope you will agree!” Local business people are an integral part of the community and deserve sup- port. These businesses support many local teams and organizations that rely on their generosity for the success of their events. On Small Business Saturday, everyone will have the chance to thank these businesses by shopping locally. Discover convenient, affordable quality at your local merchants as you find unique items for everyone on your gift list, save on gasoline, and enjoy personal service pro- vided by friends and neighbors. This is the day to indulge in special treats as you sup- port small businesses: the backbone of the community. Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving -- one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First observed on Nov. 27, 2010, Small Business Saturday encour- ages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. In 2010, the holiday was conceived and promoted by American Express via a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign.