Nestled between the ever-advancing adventure of Black Friday and the online bargain-hunting of Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a day to direct our holiday shopping enthusiasm toward America's 28 million independent businesses.
Many of us in the Obama Administration are joining the Small Business Administration and local Chambers of Commerce in encouraging everyone to visit a small business today.
I'm participating the old-fashioned way, by visiting the small businesses in the Peoria area--the same small businesses my family has frequented for decades.
If you've been a reader of this blog for a while, you know I love the small businesses in my hometown. Whether it's George's Shoeshine, the Spotted Cow, Metro Camera, or Holmes' Shoes, I've always been impressed with the level of service that Peoria's businesses provide.
And today, when I went to Burke's Jewelers to get a watch repaired, they had what I needed. And when I went to Russell's Fitness and Cycles to find a new bike for my 6-year-old grandson--please don't spoil the Christmas surprise!--once again they had just what my wife Kathy and I were looking for.
It's easy to get lost in the promotions of the holiday season, and it's always fun to find a bargain. But there's no substitute for a place where people know you and help you find exactly what you want or need.
That's why I love Peoria, and that's why I love America's small businesses. Yet another thing to be thankful for this weekend.
I see a need to develop a program that encourges an active relationship between Amtrak, Amtrak Stations and local small businesses at various stops along the way
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Posted by: Bob Tischbein | November 26, 2012 at 11:53 AM