Politics & Government

Council President Valerie Ervin Pushes for Small Business Saturday

Council President Ervin advocated for small businesses since she was first elected in 2006.

Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin (D-Dist. 5) is encouraging residents to patronize local, small businesses on Saturday, Nov. 26, in a show of support for the second annual national ‘Small Business Saturday.’

The 2011 Small Business Saturday (SBS), is a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.

The day was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners' who need help with creating more demand for their products and services.

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Ervin said she knows how important Black Friday is for large retailers, but small businesses should be promoted too.

"On Small Business Saturday, I want to encourage residents to shop locally to generate neighborhood prosperity and to enhance the existing sense of community. During these challenging economic times, it is critical for all of us to do what we can to support our local businesses.”

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Currently, over 2 million Facebook users are supporting SBS. Last year, about 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations and 41 elected officials declared their support.

In Silver Spring, a variety of lessons have been learned, said Ervin.

“One of the things we need to improve is our focus on promoting small homegrown businesses," she said.

Business owners such as Lene Tsegaye of appreciates the Small Business Saturday campaign.

“When you shop small, you are building community, supporting the economy and making a stronger nation,” Tsegaye said.

Aldofo Mendez, owner of the echoes the sentiment.

“Take your family and relatives visiting for the holidays to shop the small businesses in Silver Spring,” Mendez said. “Show them what an exciting place Silver Spring has become.”


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