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Tag: Small business saturday

  • ‘Small Business Saturday’ encourages shopping small, local

    Sentinel staff report–
    Shoppers are being encouraged to “shop small” this Saturday for the 13th annual Small Business Saturday campaign.

    Started in 2010 as an initiative heavily promoted by American Express, Small Business Saturday is designed to encourage consumers to support small, local businesses in their communities. It is now sponsored by a wide coalition of organizations and businesses, falling on the day after Black Friday each year.

    SCORE, a nonprofit offering local small business training events and mentorship in Citrus Heights and nationwide, is one of many supporters of Small Business Saturday, with it’s CEO, Bridget Weston, calling the campaign “economic patriotism at its best – a day when buying gifts for your loved ones or visiting a locally-owned restaurant supports jobs and builds thriving communities.”

    In a Nov. 22 news release SCORE said having strong year-end sales are critical for small businesses to survive, and also said businesses are facing growing challenges due to inflation and other economic factors.

  • Small Business Saturday encourages shopping small, local amid pandemic

    A sign encouraging shopping at small businesses can be seen on the counter inside Java Cherry Coffee Shop in Citrus Heights. // CH Sentinel

    Sentinel staff report–
    With small businesses in Citrus Heights around the country struggling during COVID-19, many are hoping for a financial boost this Saturday from the 11th annual “Small Business Saturday” — a day designed to encourage consumers to support small, local businesses in their communities.

    Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as an initiative heavily promoted by American Express, and is now sponsored by a wide coalition of organizations and businesses, falling on the day after Black Friday each year. The City of Citrus Heights has joined the effort this year, promoting Small Business Saturday with ads on social media asking residents to take a “Love Local” pledge for their holiday shopping.

    Louise Hansen-Cordray, owner of Java Cherry Coffee Shop on Van Maren Lane, said she’s seen some ups and downs over the past nine months with COVID-19, but her core customer base has helped her survive.

    “I hope to see that people support small businesses this Saturday — or any day,” she told The Sentinel. “Look around and find a small business: you might find out that you like it a lot.”

    A 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study commissioned by American Express found that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community.

    With many small businesses this year struggling with COVID-19 shutdowns and decreases in foot traffic, American Express has ramped up its efforts. An article published on the company’s website highlights “the community impact of shopping small,” and includes interviews with small business owners across the country, discussing the impact of COVID-19 on their business.

    “It was never this black and white,” says one business owner, describing economic hardships this year. “If you don’t patronize that shop on the corner, or that restaurant downstairs, or the florist around the corner, they won’t be there.”

  • ‘Small Business Saturday’ encourages shopping small, local this weekend

    Sentinel staff report–
    While big box stores are banking on Black Friday’s shopping frenzy to boost sales, small businesses around the country and in Citrus Heights are looking forward to an expected financial boost this Saturday from the ninth annual “Small Business Saturday” — a day designed to encourage consumers to support small, local businesses in their communities.

    Small Business Saturday began in 2010, quickly receiving official recognition and support from the president on down to governors, mayors, and senators around the country. By 2012, American Express reported an estimated $5.5 billion was spent at small, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday — with that number nearly tripling by 2016.

    Although initially launched and heavily promoted by American Express, Small Business Saturday is now sponsored by a wide coalition of organizations and businesses.

    “Shopping small has a significant and positive effect on local communities, and we hope Small Business Saturday will help to amplify that effect during the crucial holiday shopping season,” American Express spokeswoman Elizabeth Rutledge said in a news release earlier this month. “When we spend local, small businesses thrive. And when small businesses thrive, we all thrive.”

    A 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study commissioned by American Express found that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community.

    The National Federation of Independent Businesses, which now co-sponsors the Day, reported last year’s Small Business Saturday event drew participation from more than 100 million shoppers who spent an estimated $12.9 billion at independent retailers and restaurants. That number is down from a record high in 2016, where spending was estimated at $15.4 billion.

    In 2016, the NFIB reported that 72 percent of consumers were aware of Small Business Saturday, while that number has climbed to 91 percent awareness this year, according to a 2018 survey released by the NFIB and American Express.

    The survey also found that 96 percent of consumers planning to “shop small” this Saturday said the day inspires them to patronize “small, independently owned retailers or restaurants that they have not been to before, or would not have otherwise tried.”

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: update on paralyzed man, cop support, shopping local

    Mike Droter
    Mike Droter and his fiancee Jordan Lovas, in a photo two months after Droter was paralyzed in a beach accident in Hawaii. // Courtesy, Go Fund Me

    Updated Nov. 27, 12:05 a.m.–
    Latest news briefs include Citrus Heights police sending Honor Guard members to the memorial of a fallen deputy, a local report on Small Business Saturday, and an update on a local man who was able to return home for Thanksgiving after being paralyzed in Hawaii three months ago.

    CHPD Honor Guard sent to slain deputy’s memorial
    On Tuesday, Citrus Heights police sent a motorcycle unit and several members of its Honor Guard to attend the memorial of Deputy Dennis Wallace, who authorities say was shot twice in the head at point-blank range in Stanislaus County earlier this month. Lt. Jason Russo said CHPD has sent officers to memorials of slain law enforcement officers in the past, notably attending the memorial of five officers slain in Dallas, Texas, and another memorial in Louisiana. He said officers typically volunteer to attend as a sign of support for the fallen and their families, sometimes paying travel expenses out of their own pocket. “We treat it the same as losing a brother or a sister,” said Russo. The suspect in Wallace’s killing, David Machado, was arrested following a manhunt.

    Citrus Heights man paralyzed in Hawaii returns home in time for Thanksgiving
    After being paralyzed from the neck down during a body surfing accident in Hawaii three months ago, Citrus Heights resident Mike Droter finally returned home from the hospital — in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, according to news reports. Speaking to Fox 40 in a wheelchair this week, Droter said it has been difficult to transition from “a normal life to this life and to accept it and stay happy.” His fiancee, Jordan Lovas, told the news station that the tragic accident has brought the two closer together, so they “have both been grateful that we get to spend all this time together.” She will be his primary caretaker.

    According to Fox 40, Droter and Lovas were recently engaged and plan to be married in 2018. Although doctors reportedly had low expectations for Droter’s recovery, his fiancee says he’s now able to move several fingers and toes, turn his wrists, and “fire up his triceps.” A GoFundMe page for Droter, which has raised over $23,000, says the 30-year-old spent about a month at a hospital in Honolulu and the past two months at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. (See Fox 40 story)

    Local shops get boost from Small Business Saturday
    After Black Friday’s shopping frenzy, small businesses in Citrus Heights and around the country received a financial boost from the seventh annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 — a day designed to encourage consumers to support small, local businesses in their communities. Louise Hansen-Cordray, local owner of the Java Cherry coffee house on Van Maren Lane, said her business had a pretty busy morning on Saturday and several customers specifically said they came in to support her because of the Small Business Saturday effort.

    Launched in 2010, Small Business Saturday quickly received official recognition and support — from President Barack Obama on down to governors, mayors, and senators. By 2012, American Express reported an estimated $5.5 billion was spent at small, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday — with that number nearly tripling by 2014. Although initially launched and heavily promoted by American Express, the day is now sponsored by a wide coalition of organizations and businesses, and the credit card company says its focus is on small businesses rather than AmEx.

    Also published this week on The Sentinel:

  • Small Business Saturday encourages shopping small, local on Nov. 28

    Small Business Saturday encourages shopping small, local on Nov. 28

    business_shopping_local_bag-smUpdated Nov. 26, 10:01 a.m.–
    The day after Black Friday’s expected shopping frenzy, small businesses around the country are anticipated to gain an additional financial boost from the sixth annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 — a day designed to encourage consumers to support small, local businesses in their communities.

    Locally, Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost said she plans to participate in Small Business Saturday this year, praising several small businesses for their contributions to the community.

    “A lot of local small businesses have supported us in Citrus heights, and we should be supporting them by frequenting their businesses every day of the year,” said Mayor Frost. Highlighting several recent examples, she said the owner of Bubbie’s Love Bistro on Sunrise Boulevard had donated potato salad for 400 people at a veterans event in October, and she also said the local Farmers Market donated a continental breakfast for 200 people at the Citrus Heights Community Leadership Conference earlier this year.

    “They’re there for us in the community, and we need to be there for them,” Frost said.

    [Sentinel Food Review: Bubbie’s offers some kosher-style love]

    Small Business Saturday began in 2010, quickly receiving official recognition and support by 2011, from President Barack Obama on down to governors, mayors, and senators around the country. By 2012, American Express reported an estimated $5.5 billion was spent at small, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday — with that number nearly tripling last year.

    Support continues to grow each year as more shoppers become aware of the Day. The National Federation of Independent Businesses reported 71 percent of consumers were aware of Small Business Saturday in 2013, and also found shoppers stated their number one reason for participating was “small businesses’ community contributions.”

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    Although initially launched and heavily promoted by American Express, Small Business Saturday is now sponsored by a wide coalition of organizations and businesses, and the credit card company says its focus is on small businesses rather than AmEx.

    “This is frankly the one movement that I will tell you is not limited to American Express,” said the company’s CEO and Chairman Kenneth Chenault in a CBS interview about last year’s Saturday event. “You can use any credit card. You can use cash. You can use checks. All we want you to do is to support small businesses in your community.”

  • Citrus Heights This Month: what’s happening in November

    Citrus Heights This Month: what’s happening in November

    Signs_city_20150110_151012Updated Nov. 3, 1:01 p.m.–
    Local events and activities planned around Citrus Heights this November include three craft fairs, a Veterans Day ceremony, various community meetings, and more. Here’s some highlights of what’s happening this month:

    Veterans art display, — A gallery of veterans art, previously displayed at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., is temporarily on display in Citrus Heights through Nov. 11. The free display opened on Oct. 17 and can be viewed daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 5925 Birdcage Centre Ln., in D102, behind Ulta. (See more)

    Auburn Blvd. “Phase II” project meeting, Nov. 3 — As the effort to revitalize Auburn Boulevard continues, the City will be hosting its first business and property owner community meeting for the second phase of the project, which extends towards the Roseville border. The meeting will be held in the Rusch Park Sunrise Room at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with all Auburn Boulevard businesses and property owners from Grand Oaks Boulevard to Whyte Avenue encouraged to attend. According to the City’s website, the meeting will discuss the revised timeline and project design, with a time for questions and answers. (See more)

    Craft fair, Nov. 7 — Holiday items, handcrafted gifts, and baked goods will be on sale during the “Home for the Holidays” craft fair at the Lakeview Village housing community in Citrus Heights. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the community’s clubhouse, at 6211 Summerset Ln. (See event posting)

    Veterans Day, Nov. 11 — An annual ceremony to honor veterans will be held at Sylvan Cemetery, beginning with a march around the cemetery’s “Avenue of Flags” at 10:30 a.m. The cemetery is located at 7401 Auburn Blvd. (See last year’s story)

    Sunrise Craft Fair, Nov. 14 — An annual craft fair featuring seasonal handmade gifts and crafts will be held at the Rusch Park Community Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  (See flier)

    “Boutique & Bake Rummage Sale,” Nov. 14 — Various rummage and craft items will be on sale at the Citrus Heights Community Church from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will also have hot drinks for sale, as well as hot dogs, chili, and soda. The church is located at 7405 Mariposa Ave. (See flier)

    Holiday Referral Program — From Nov. 16 through Dec. 21, the Citrus Heights Police Department will be accepting unwrapped gift donations to help local families who struggled with a hardship in the past year. Donations can be dropped off at the Department Monday through Friday at 6315 Fountain Square Dr., or Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Individuals can also recommend families to benefit from the program by filling out a referral form through Nov. 20. (See full story)

    Pedestrian Master Plan Workshop, Nov. 17 – Another City-hosted workshop will be held at the Community Center on Nov. 17, designed to give residents an opportunity to provide input on the development of a 30-year master plan that seeks to improve sidewalks and walkability in Citrus Heights. The meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a short presentation about the plan scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. A nine-question online survey related to the plan has also been launched. (See flier)

    [City Survey Link: Pedestrian improvements in Citrus Heights]

    Water district public hearing, Nov. 17 — A public hearing regarding a water rate increase for those served by the Citrus Heights Water District will be held at the Rusch Park Community Center at 6:30 p.m. (see story)

    Planning commission meeting, Nov. 18 — Planning Commissioners are scheduled to consider adoption of a “Mitigated Negative Declaration” environmental report for Phase II of the Auburn Boulevard revitalization project. (See more)

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    Lions Club Craft fair, Nov. 21 — Check back soon for more details. (link)

    Marching Band event, Nov. 21 — The Citrus Heights Community Marching Band will be playing in the neighboring city of Roseville, during their 2015 Holiday Parade. The 54th annual parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and travel along Roseville’s historic Vernon Street. (See band calendar)

    Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 – City Hall offices will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 in observance of the national holiday.

    Blood Drive, Nov. 27-29 — Blood Source will host a weekend blood drive in the Sunrise Mall parking lot, near the Elephant Bar restaurant. “Bloodmobile” donation centers will be open on Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (See details)

    Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28 — Consumers are encouraged to “shop local” on the Saturday immediately following Black Friday, as part of a growing movement to support small, local businesses in communities around the country. Small Business Saturday officially began in 2010 and has since received national and local recognition. (See last year’s coverage)

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