Want to change the world. March 29th is National Mom and Pop Businesses Day!
Most people know that the economy cannot run with “mom and pop” businesses. They are responsible for economic growth and provide almost 70% of all the new jobs in our great county. In the United States, family businesses account for 57% of the GDP and employ 63% of the workforce (source: Family Business Alliance). There are over 27 million mom-and-pop businesses. It is estimated that by 2030, 600 million new jobs will be needed, and small businesses will account for most of them.
March 29th, we celebrate these businesses. The holiday was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939 and grew into a 10,000 square foot, $2 million dollar clothing shop.
My parents owned a small general store. My dad retired early, and they bought a Vermont general store for $14,000 in 1972. There was not much on the shelves. Gas pumps, some fishing equipment, and some food. They worked hard. In the store at 6 and closing on weekends at midnight.
We celebrate and appreciate the long hours, hard work, and dedication it takes to run a small business.
Let us make sure we do not forget these hardworking “mom and pops.” The phrase ‘mom-and-pop’ store is used for small businesses run by families.
How do we do this? We can shop like crazy with them. We can tell others how great they are on social media. (They super appreciate it!) And sometimes you can just send them a letter of appreciation. ENCOURAGE THEM!
Create your own “small business crawl” and explore the small businesses that make up your community. You may find a new favorite place to shop. You can purchase gift cards for yourself, family, and friends from your favorite local spots. Make sure that you leave reviews on Google to help others find your favorite small businesses. And on March 29th, celebrate your favorite small businesses on social media by using the hashtag #MomPopBusinessOwnersDay.
I love shopping local, and I love my “mom and pops.” (And yes, I want you to shop with us!) These folks support our communities and our people!
I love finding what I do not find in box stores. Just the other day, I had a granddaughter with a birthday, and I went to my favorite toy store, Toy City. Picked up a couple of great presents. Got to talk to the owner, Steve, and felt good about supporting businesses like his!
When we purchase local, from “mom and pops” you know the owner takes an interest in making your buying experience better. You know that more of your purchase dollars stay in your home community and that you will find things you cannot find in a box store.
Let us keep the legacy of these businesses going. It is time to take some time out of our busy day and support a mom-and-pop business.
_______________________________________________________________________
Tell others about what we do here at Positive News For You.
For folks on the outside:
- Let them know through your “likes, shares, comments and invites”.
- Visit their places of business when you can and let them know you like what they are doing.
- Spend money with them when you can as a tangible “like”.
- Invite others to play. (What business(es) do you want to see playing?
- And for all of us, let’s embrace some of the fun going on.
Additional collaboration, partner, and advertising-sponsor pages.
(Find out how to have your company here. Send us a note.)
Thank you! If you have any questions, please consult with us. You can donate here to PN4UINC. You can buy merchandise here. #ICouldDoThat Want more by Lee?
Links to other pages…
- I Could Do That! Let’s Hear You Stand Up And Shout
- Thinking ahead
- PN4U INC. Your Donation Page & Our Nonprofit
- What Is Positive News And What Are Common Factors?
How you can help?
- We are always on the lookout for sponsors and advertisers for this PAGE.
- Send us great positive stories, videos, and photos. (Go to the SUBMIT button at the top.)
- And you can make a donation to our 501(c)3 and write in LEE in the checkout. We put a percentage towards our local homeless shelter. The balance helps with other lifestyle-related events and content.
- Or you can buy our merchandise.
- We are looking for writers for all things “local”! Think Roving Reporters and Town Criers!