Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 12, 2014 Merchants, consumers asked to join Shop Local effort The Midland Park Chamber of Commerce is celebrat- ing Shop Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 by offer- ing a “passport” promotion. Local businesses are being Timely tips asked to join in the effort by hosting an open house on that day and offering specials in goods and services. Con- sumers are invited to visit the participating businesses, Midland Park Police Sergeant Noah Van Vliet recently spoke to the Midland Park Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary about identity theft and how residents can protect themselves against scams and con artists and provided tips on home security. The department will do a home safety survey at no charge, he said. take advantage of their special offerings, get their pass- ports signed and then enter them into a prize drawing. The drawing will be held at From the Top Music Studio on Prospect Street at 4 p.m. that day. Many specials will be extended through the month to entice consumers to “SHOP SMALL” – “SHOP LOCAL”. The program was launched by American Express in 2010 in an effort to bring attention to small businesses in our local communities. Anyone interested in knowing more may visit www.shopsmall.com to learn about the initiative. A merchant need not accept AMEX cards to participate. The Midland Park Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Waldwick and Ho-Ho-Kus cham- bers of commerce to help get the word out to consum- ers throughout the area. They want to make it known that small business is important to all our communi- ties – the only way to do that is to have participation from as many local businesses as possible. Businesses are reminded to declare their intention to participate by contacting Lisa Plasse of From the Top Music Studio at lisa@mpkchamber.com and to plan the day with spe- cial discounts or a gift with purchase and/or other offers available to those who SHOP SMALL on November 29 th . According to the Second Annual Small Business Consumer Insights Survey, customers spent an esti- mated $5.7 billion at small, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2013. Continue the trend: Shop, dine and choose the services of your local busi- nesses on Nov. 29 and every day. The Midland Park chamber will also help promote members who want to offer Cyber Monday specials, with listings on the MPC Website and Facebook page.