Nov. 28 is Small Business Saturday.

Started in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has now come into its own.Over 73.9 million people shopped small in 2012 and in 2014 shoppers supported their local small businesses like never before by spending over $14.3 billion.Small Business Saturday has become a tradition for many people.It's a day when you can come out and support local businesses in your town instead of fighting the crowds and traffic at the big box stores or the large malls.Visit local stores and specialty shops for that unique gift and personalized service that you can't get anywhere else.From Palmerton to Weatherly, Lansford to Albrightsville and places in between, Carbon County is home to many unique shops that offer everything from soup to nuts.Is there a librophile on your gift list?Why not support your local libraries or used book stores for a great selection of hard-to-find tomes.For the jewelry diva on your list, there are many shops that offer one-of-a kind selections.Gift certificates to restaurants are always welcomed or how about a weekend getaway at a local B&B?There are several antique shops offering something special for the collector in your life. After all the shopping, give yourself a gift and schedule a day to pamper yourself at one of our many day spas.Still unsure about supporting small business? Here are a few vital and surprising statistics from Forbes magazine and the U.S. Census Bureau:1.There are almost 28 million small businesses in the U.S. and over 22 million are self-employed with no additional payroll or employees.2. Over 50 percent of the working population or about 120 million individuals work in a small business.3. Small businesses have generated over 65 percent of the net new jobs since 1995.4. Approximately 543,000 new businesses are started each month but only seven out of 10 new employer firms survive at least two years, half at least five years, a third at least 10 years with only a quarter staying in business 15 years or more.5. The fastest growing sector for freelance businesses in 2011 included auto repair shops, beauty salons and dry cleaners.6. Total revenues from small businesses hit $989.6 billion in 2011.7. Small business owners had average incomes of $44,000.8. Around 80 percent of small businesses reported less than $50,000 in receipts in 2011.So, before you head out to another big box store or gear up to fight the traffic and elbowing crowds in the malls, check out our website at

www.carboncountychamber.org for a listing of our members and support our local small businesses.They are your neighbors, family and friends. They are the ones who support your athletic teams, Scouts, church groups and other nonprofit organizations by donating either cash or products for community fundraisers.It's time to show them your support and Shop Local.Alice Wanamaker is member relations director for the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation.