Small businesses have big hopes for Saturday

Nothing boosts a local economy more that when local residents support their local businesses so instead of wracking your brain at a crowded mall trying to figure out what gift to get that special someone this Christmas East Boston Main Streets and Mayor urging With the holiday season upon us, Mayor Thomas Menino and East Boston Main Streets (EBMS) are urging residents to spend their holiday dollars in the neighborhood.

East Boston businesses are offering special deals and promotions on Saturday November 27, 2010 .

“The turkey hasn’t yet hit the table, but the holiday shopping season is right around the corner,” said EBMS Director Clark Moulaison. “Before you gear up for a Black Friday full of parking lot sharks and 3:00 a.m. showdowns, we’d like to offer an alternative – Small Business Saturday.”

The City of Boston and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have declared Saturday the day to show local businesses some love.

“So, make plans now to battle your lingering food coma with a trip along East Boston Main Streets,” said Moulaison. “Its holiday shopping you’ll feel great about. Whether you’re looking for that special gift for a friend or clothing and games for the kids, East Boston businesses offer a great variety with prices that will save you money.”

Moulaison added unique gifts and quality products and services are available right in Eastie like a gift basket from our local food markets or gift certificates from many fabulous local restaurants.

The Small Business Saturday campaign is designed to spur business for small merchants on Saturday,

In honor of the initiative, Menino signed a proclamation formalizing November 27th – which falls between what is traditionally two of the busiest shopping days of the year, “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” – as Small Business Saturday.

“Our small businesses are a huge economic driver here in Boston, and we continue to do everything we can to support their success. Small Business Saturday is a another great way to drive shopping dollars to our local merchants, and I want to thank our partners for making it possible,” said Menino. “We always want to remind folks that this holiday season – and year’ round – the neighborhoods are full of unique gift options. I certainly hope Bostonians will join me in shopping locally at our small businesses on Saturday, November 27th.”

Boston joins New York City as another major city to endorse the American Express initiative, which has also received strong support by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Main Street Center, and will also be celebrated in the Main Streets communities of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Port Townsend, Washington.

“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said American Express Chairman and CEO Kenneth I. Chenault. “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession.  By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.”

American Express is launching campaigns on Facebook and Twitter driving consumers and business owners to www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday where they can participate in many ways, including:

• The first 10,000 business owners to sign up $100 of free Facebook advertising to help build online buzz and drive customers to shop at their businesses on Small Business Saturday.  By entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to November 27th. Facebook has donated $500,000 in Facebook credits for these small business owners to use in the future.

• American Express is also giving a $25 statement credit to 100,000 cardmembers who register their card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally-owned, independent small businesses that accepts American Express.

• Small business owners can also download online promotional materials and use a number of social media tools to promote their businesses on the inaugural Small Business Saturday.

• Everyone can spread the word about the day and their favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.

• For every person who ‘likes’ Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 up to $500,000 to Girls Inc. to empower young women to be entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

More information can be found at www.smallbusinesssaturday.com/

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