By Jennifer Pauly

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President

As we approach Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and, really, the start of the holiday shopping season, we are encouraging everyone to “Support Local Everything.”

Supporting the local businesses in the communities we live in is so important. By making a commitment to shop local or support small businesses, you put money right back into the community, stimulating the economy. Sales tax revenue is cycled back to local governments to reinvest in the community.

Local businesses take pride in what they do. You can expect better customer service and follow-through when you support a store or service-based business. They value their customers in a personal way, often remembering first names, family members and more!

Many of our local businesses will have Black Friday specials and Small Business Saturday promotions on Nov. 25. Make it a point to stop by your favorite business and thank them for all they do. 

Some of our member businesses will be giving away free “Support Local Everything” reusable shopping bags, sponsored by Lewiston Digital LLC.

Supporting local businesses can come in other ways besides monetary spending. There are several memes that I have seen on “How to support a small business without spending money”:

√ Share their post to your networks

√ “Like” their post

√ Tag a friend

√ Comment (something nice)

√ Post a picture

√ Leave a review

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to finishing the year and incorporating “Support Local Everything” into all we do!

#ShopSmall

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 with the theme of “Support Local Everything.”

On a traditionally “big box” store shopping weekend, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to support local business in their community.

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce will give away 50 $15 gift certificates to the first 50 people who stop by the Chamber office and Welcome Center on Saturday, Nov. 25, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until they are gone! The $15 gift certificates must be spent on Saturday, Nov. 25, at participating member businesses.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and complete related paperwork. One per person, and participant must be present to receive the certificate.

“Support Local Everything” reusable bags will be available at participating retail businesses with purchases over $25 (first-come, first-served), sponsored by Lewiston Digital LLC.

The Chamber has supported Small Business Saturday for the past 12 years as the perfect weekend to kick off the holiday shopping season. We have encouraged businesses to offer special promotions as a thank you to their customers, and will give away new “Support Local Everything” reusable bags with purchase at select retail stores, compliments of Lewiston Digital.

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce office is located at 895 Center St., in the Village of Lewiston.

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Pauly is shown with one of this year’s “Support Local Everything” shopping bags.

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More About the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, convener for leaders and influencers, and champion for stronger communities. The mission is to unify the surrounding communities and to promote it as a premiere place to live, work and play while promoting tourism, business development, quality of life and the history and culture of the region. For additional information, visit www.UpwardNiagara.com.

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Participating Businesses

Below is a listing of some of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce member businesses who are offering special promotions on Small Business Saturday.

•A Gust of Sun Winery – 4515 Baer Road, Ransomville; special promotion on holiday gift baskets.

•Anchor Spirits – 113 Lockport St., Youngstown. We will be giving away our much-loved new drink recipe calendar with every purchase. We will also be offering a free tasting to celebrate this holiday season.

•Antique to Chic – 536 Center St., Lewiston. Old to new and everything in between! Antique to Chic offers a unique shopping experience, wonderful gift ideas, holiday décor – something for everyone! Free drawing for a gift basket and giveaways!

•Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery – 1243 Ridge Road, Lewiston; 15% of all Bella Rose Wine bottles on Nov. 25!

•Black Willow Winery – 5565 W. Lake Road, Burt; $5 off any wine purchase of $30 or more, and a free logo glass with every pairing that day.

•Brewed and Bottled Craft Beer Shop – 444 Center St., Lewiston (enter through vestibule); mystery 16-ounce vintage cellared stout ($20 value) free with any purchase of $75 or more. Limited quantity available! Draft and cans for here – specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•Buffalo Coffee Roastery – 5844 Buffalo St., Sanborn; $1 off every full pound of our fresh roasted coffee, plus one extra punch on your loyalty card!

•Chéri Amour – 522 Center St., Lewiston; special in-store promotions on all of your favorite brands!

•Everything Youngstown – 435 Main St., Youngstown; open holiday hours beginning Small Business Saturday through Dec. 24: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Receive a free gift with purchase on Nov. 25!

•Inspirations on Canvas – 449 Center St., Lewiston; 10% off all in-store purchases (excluding purchase of gift certificates and commissioned art); plus treats and hot cocoa in store, and a chance to win one of five prizes with purchase.

•Orange Cat Coffee Co. – 703 Center St., Lewiston; Saturday and Sunday, take 10% off all bulk coffee and tea! Enter to win an Orange Cat goodies basket!

•Queen B’s Cottage – 475 Ridge St., Lewiston; sweets and prosecco in the garden (weather-permitting); discounts throughout! Raffle for a $25 gift certificate (first prize) and a fragrant candle (second prize).

•Trait-Carré – 480 Center St., Lewiston; 10% off all items.

A full listing and featured spotlights are available on the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce social media channels and online at www.upwardniagara.com. Hours vary per business.

 

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