Almost universally, Americans say they support and value small businesses in their communities. How could you not? They provide products and services you can’t get elsewhere, customer service is generally more personal, and they contribute enormously to the fabric of our neighborhoods and cities.

There are many organizations, national and local, that have done a great job organizing and getting the word out about the outsized contributions that small businesses make to our communities. One of those is the Small Business Saturday Coalition which we have joined to help spread the word about Small Business Saturday.

What will you be doing on November 24, 2012, the Saturday after Thanksgiving?  Participating in Small Business Saturday of course!  Heading into its third year, Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is a day dedicated to local, independently-owned small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods across the country.

Last year, millions of Americans, shopped at independently-owned small businesses on Small Business Saturday. This year, we invite you to help make the day even bigger for small business. Here are ways your business can get involved and help support Small Business Saturday:

·      Shop Small on November 24, 2012: By shopping small, you are showing your support for small businesses and creating goodwill within the communities where you work and live.  Make a day of it by shopping with friends and dining out at your favorite small restaurants. 

·      If you are an independent business owner, make the day your own:

Small businesses are known for having outstanding customer service and offering unique products.  Think about having special promotions and join forces with neighboring small businesses to create a block party or holiday event.  Don’t forget to leverage Small Business Saturday marketing tools on www.facebook.com/shopsmall.

·      Spread the word: Sign up for email updates at www.shopsmall.com and make sure to ‘Like’ the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/shopsmall). Tell your family, friends and loyal customers about Small Business Saturday on your social networks.

We’re excited to be part of the Small Business Saturday Coalition.  We encourage all of you to shop small on November 24, 2012 and help spread the word.  Let’s make Small Business Saturday, the biggest shopping day of them all - we’ll see you on Main Street! 

The downtown businesses will kick off the season with the Merchant’s Holiday Open House on November 10.  Get a head start on your shopping in Lake Oconee’s Hometown. Expect to find complimentary gift-wrap, hot cider, and other surprises to make your shopping experience more enjoyable. You will not want to miss the great items our local stores will have to share.

The search is on for the perfect tree to help Downtown Greensboro celebrate the holidays.  City leaders and downtown business owners are looking for a tree that will serve as the town tree this holiday season.

“In the past, Greensboro has been fortunate to have a tree donated from someone in the community,” explains Better Hometown Event Coordinator, Kendrick Harris.  “The tree serves as the centerpiece for all of our holiday activities in downtown and helps to create a festive mood during the Christmas shopping season.” 

Greensboro’s tree is typically a fresh cut evergreen.  Past trees have ranged from 20 to 30 feet in height.  The selected tree will stand on the Court House Lawn in historic Greensboro throughout the holiday season.  Organizers hope to have the tree in place by late November.  To suggest or offer a tree, please contact Kendrick Harris at the Greensboro Better Hometown Office at (706) 453-7674.

The Downtown Tree Lighting celebration will take place from 5-7 pm on the evening of Friday, November 30.  Mark your calendars!  Santa will be available for children to visit, there will be an old-fashioned hay ride through town, and your favorite holiday tunes will be sung ‘round the tree!  Come early and enjoy “Soups & Sammies” by Washington Grass Inn while local choirs and choral groups preform throughout the evening.

Local organizations and non-profits are invited to participate in the event by offering winter goodies such as hot chocolate, baked goods, or other holiday favorites.  Choirs and choral groups are invited to carol the historic downtown throughout the evening.  To register your organization, please contact the Better Hometown office at (706) 453-7674.

            Downtown Greensboro invites you to join us for fun and excitement in Lake Oconee’s Hometown throughout the fall and holiday seasons.  For more information about downtown Greensboro or for upcoming event information call (706) 453-7674 or visit www.downtowngreensboroga.com.

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