Business & Tech

Small Business Caucus Reminds Communities to Shop Local This Weekend

Small Business Weekend is intended to recognize the integral role small businesses play in shaping our economy and encourage shopping at local businesses on "Main Street."

Editor's note: The following release was submitted by State Representative Jay Barrows' office.

State Representatives Jay Barrows (R-Mansfield), Stephen Howitt (R-Seekonk) and Betty Poirier (R-Attleboro) - members of the Small Business Caucus - are reminding local business owners and shoppers that as of 2011 the first weekend after Thanksgiving has been declared Small Business Weekend in Massachusetts.

Barrows, Howitt and Poirier were pleased to co-sponsor the House Resolution establishing the Small Business Weekend. The resolution is intended to recognize the integral role small businesses play in shaping our economy, commend the positive impacts of small business in our communities, and to encourage shopping at local businesses on “Main Street.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Not only are three out of every four jobs in Massachusetts created by small business, but $68 of every $100 spent with a locally-owned business returns to the community through local taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.

"Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and this weekend is a great reminder for all of us that we should support them and buy local," said Howitt.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Barrows believes that a public awareness campaign will help increase revenue for local businesses, which will in turn help increase employment opportunities.

“Our hope is that by drawing attention to our local businesses, consumers will make a conscious choice to shop locally. As a small business owner, I’ve learned through experience that small business is the foundation to growing our economy and growing the middle class - not only in Massachusetts, but throughout the country,” said Barrows.

Representative Poirier added, “Small businesses are a strong point within our local communities and I encourage our citizens to shop at their local businesses, both through the holiday season and all year long. As a former business owner, I realize the importance of supporting our local businesses so that they continue to prosper (which is vital for both our local and state economy) as well as being another avenue of assisting to keeping our citizens employed.”

The first ever Small Business Caucus at the State House was founded in 2011 in order to foster a more business-friendly climate in the Commonwealth.  Chaired by Representative Shaunna O’Connell, the caucus has been working with legislative members and industry experts on issues such as mandates, regulations, health insurance costs, and tax burden.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here