In Support of Small Business Saturday

Everyday is Small Business Saturday for me as I would rather support the mom and pop businesses than the huge box stores any day. Instead of supporting the huge corporations and their bottom lines, I would much rather spend my hard earned money at the businesses that live and invest in our community. Alan Jackson had it right in his song 'Little Man.'

Small Business Saturday is always the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and the idea started in 2010 by American Express. Every year, the participation is growing, in hopes that people will "shop small" in at least some of their shopping.

The Greater Binghamton area has a diverse number of small businesses that offer so much for our community. Without them, we would be in trouble. Whether you choose to shop in downtown Binghamton, Norwich, Owego or Corning, shopping small can usually be a wonderful experience.

Looking out our studio doors in downtown Binghamton, we have many small businesses that are hoping to attract new patrons, by offering something unique and fun to buy this holiday season. I try to support locally owned restaurants, and buy my hardware and auto parts from the little guys that can be trusted and offer impeccable customer service. And small businesses is what will make our community grow.

Darrell Dunlap, owner of A Frame Shoppe, a custom picture framing business, located in Binghamton since 1993. He recently added antiques to his shop and has been participating in Small Business Saturday for 5 years now. Saturday, the shop's open house will feature other small businesses like pizza from New York Pizzeria and donuts and coffee from Manni's Donuts and Diner, all located here in Binghamton. He's hoping by supporting local, others will support local and shop small, because that helps our community grow.

Small Business Saturday is a good thing to support when you're enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend.