Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today encouraged West Virginians to shop at Mountain State small businesses this Saturday, November 29  in celebration of the fifth annual Small Business Saturday.

“Whether it is the local grocer, the corner coffee shop or the family-owned diner, our small businesses are what fuel our economy, and their success is critical to our communities. Today, West Virginia’s more than 120,000 small businesses make up an estimated 96 percent of the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs as well as the goods and services we depend on every day. As a small businessman myself, I can relate to the challenges our small businesses face, and I understand the vital contributions they make to our nation’s livelihood.

“Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for all West Virginians and Americans to show support for our small businesses. At a time when many folks are preparing their holiday shopping lists, it is important to remember that when you support your small businesses, you are investing in our communities. By working together to support local businesses, we are helping them stay competitive, which in turn helps them create more jobs and move our economy forward. I encourage all West Virginians to remember to shop at our small businesses not just this Saturday, but for the entire holiday season and throughout the year.”

Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express. It is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to promote shopping at small businesses throughout the country.

To find small businesses in your community to support this Saturday, please click here.

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