Wannaskan (Happy SBS!) Almanac for Saturday, November 24th

Good morning and welcome to another Saturday edition of the Wannaskan Almanac where we bring you all the local news and flavor. You betcha! Today is November 24th, aka the last Saturday of this November, the first Saturday post-Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday.

Thanksgiving was about as low key as you could get for us. We spent the day with a family friend at his house, lounging and eating pizza and pie. I read a whole book. I did NO cooking. It was awesome.

Today is Small Business Saturday. Happy SBS!

Wannaska is a small town. And the Wannaskan region is peppered with small towns. From my own house, the nearest big town is 2.5 hours in any direction. (Okay, full dis!nd impressive to make the aforementioned claim "the nearest big town is 2.5 hours in any direction.")

Anywho, this Small Business Saturday stuff is a big deal. Especially where we live.

According to this article, Why Small Business Is Important to the Economy (Source: Salt Lake City Bookkeeping Blog.), "...small businesses create more new jobs than any other kind of enterprise, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration." The article goes on to offer some statistics, stating,"...over the past 20 years, small businesses created 64 percent of new jobs, accounting for 44 percent of the total private payroll in the U.S."

Here are Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local (Source: The Local Good. Click on the link to read the expanded description for each reason.)

1. Local Economic Stimulus.

2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support.

3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity.

4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced.

5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses.

6. Customer Service Is Better.

7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community.

8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs.

9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices.

10. You Matter More.

Summary: No one cares more about YOUR local economy than YOUR local businesses.

Anyone involved with any kind of local service organization, kids' sport or, heck, ANYTHING related to a school in each of our communities KNOWS that the donated dollars aren't coming from Amazon. (unless the small business owner is using Amazon as a marketplace to sell their goods.)

NO! The hot dogs, chips and a soda lunch deal or the t-shirts for the team that makes it to the State tournaments are coming from your local plumbers, electricians, health care providers, grocers, mechanics, gas station attendants, hair dressers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, car salespeople, bankers, retailers, insurance agents, realtors, construction companies, lawyers, accountants, service providers and basically any person who's an entrepreneur in our respective communities.

And if all of this hasn't wooed you yet to shop locally - and especially on this very special Small Business Saturday holiday - than here's one more article, 6 Benefits for You and Your Community From Supporting Local Entrepreneurs (Source: Entrepreneur magazine)

Here are some local shopping events happening TODAY!

Warroad
Holiday Sip n' Shop @ Plain Jane Beauty Boutique, 9am - 1pm
Christmas Open House, Bloomin' Creations, 9am - 4pm
Rhoda's Closet SBS Sales, 10am - 5pm
Light Up the Holidays, 5-7pm
Candlelight Yoga, Sangha Yoga Center, 6:30-8pm
Warroad Turkey Trot

Roseau
2018 Roseau Holiday Craft & Vendor Show, Roseau School, 9am - 3pm
En Liten Svensk Shoppe
The Bead Gypsy
Small Business Saturday...Custom Stamping, Aunt B's, begins @ 10am

Happy shopping, happy supporting our local communities and most of all, happy spending time with your favorite people. Make it a great Saturday!

Kim