Dowagiac celebrates local businesses

Be a part of the American story right here in Dowagiac.  The story of America and, better yet, your story is written with the help of many small businesses.  It’s written in the hometown pubs, like The Wounded Minnow Saloon, where you may have met your first love.  And, in Caruso’s or at Booth’s Country Florist, where you’ve picked up candy or flowers for your valentine.  

On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, be there for the businesses that have been there for you, as together you write your next chapter, and theirs.

Small Business Saturday, celebrated nation-wide and in Dowagiac this Saturday, is a time to recognize the small business owners of this community, some of whom are second, third and even fourth-generation business owners like Dick Judd of Judd Lumber & Rental Center.  They’re also Dowagiac’s first-time business owners such as Claudia Zebell of Rosy Tomorrows.

“Small Business Saturday is a day to do our part for those businesses that do so much for our community,” said Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority.  “It’s a day to shop at stores owned by our friends and neighbors.  It’s a day to think big, doing our part to support the businesses that are the heartbeat of Dowagiac, as you shop these small and local businesses.”

“Collectively, these companies breathe life into our community.  The uniqueness of our specialty shops and the vibrancy of the fine and casual dining, offered by Wood Fire Italian Trattoria to Saylor’s Front Street Pizzeria, is what sets Dowagiac apart from other communities our size.”

“Small business owners, from retail to manufacturing, provide jobs, preserve neighborhoods and feed the local economy,” Phillipson said.  “When economic times are tough, they struggle right alongside each and every one of us.  They share our dreams for Dowagiac, and our hope for the future.”

“Choosing to shop local on Small Business Saturday and on every day strengthens our community and our future,” Phillipson said.  “Annual events, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, such as the upcoming Candle-light Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 5, bring hundreds of people into our central business district, as we rally support for our business community.”

The national movement, founded by American Express in 2010, is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  “Small Business Saturday is a movement that millions of individuals and communities, nation-wide, have embraced, just as we will do this Saturday.”

The Chamber of Commerce has placed Small Business Day signage on display this week at several major intersections within Dowagiac, to remind residents to shop local. Phillipson encouraged people to join the movement today on social media, sharing the pledge to shop local.

Small Business Saturday in Dowagiac is part of this community’s three-part Christmas celebration, sponsored by Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel, Family Fare, Front Street Crossing, Mahar Insurance, The Timbers of Cass County and Vylonis Contracting.