"When you buy from a small business, you are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. Our customers are our shareholders, and they are the ones we strive to make happy." Unknown

This is a powerful message from an unknown small-business owner to consumers on how their purchases affect the daily lives of those in our communities. That message could have easily come from one of the many businesses right here in Carbon County, and it's true.With each purchase we make locally, the dollars are circulated right here and have the power to spark growth and change in our community. On average, 48 cents from every dollar you spend locally stays local, compared with only 14 cents spent at big box stores.In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses with their most pressing need getting more customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before.This year, the big day is Nov. 29, and The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation is encouraging everyone in Carbon County to take action for our greater good. Whether you are a small-business owner or a consumer thinking about the holidays, we encourage you to shop small and find unique items for your family and friends.As a neighborhood champion with American Express, the CCEDC is proud to help every small business promote themselves to make Small Business Saturday a success.We have free marketing materials and kits that include welcome mats, canvas totes and other materials to help make this day a success. Stop by our office at 137 South St. in Lehighton to pick up a kit for your business and customers.Then visit us at the Jim Thorpe Train Station in the morning on Nov. 29 to participate in the Carbon County Mug Walk. We will have a limited supply of exclusive mugs and savings passes for dozens of Carbon County businesses.Small-business Saturday kits will also be available at the Palmerton Heritage Center and various locations throughout the county.While we encourage everyone to pack the local shops on Nov. 29, we also encourage you to make shopping small part of your everyday life.Stop by our office on Dec. 3 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. to meet some of the folks who are having a positive impact on our economy and purchase unique artwork from local artists.The mixer is free and you may go home with a one-of-kind painting, drawing or photograph print.