Crowe Urges Residents to Shop Local, Buy Local This Season

WOOD RIVER - State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) urges Madison, St. Clair and Jersey County residents to shop and buy local this holiday season.

As people across the state begin their holiday shopping this year, Crowe is reminding residents to patronize Madison, St. Clair and Jersey County local businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30.

“Small businesses drive our economy,” Crowe said. “Supporting these businesses sustains our communities, links us with our neighbors and makes our region unique.”

Crowe reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run businesses that do so much throughout the year to support our community.

In 2018, the National Federation of Independent Business reported 104 million shoppers spent a record high of $17.8 billion on Small Business Saturday. The survey also found that, 59 percent of small business owners reporting that Small Business Saturday contributes significantly to their holiday sales each year.

For every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 goes back to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, studies have shown.

Crowe encourages small businesses and those interested in starting a local business to take advantage of the many state resources available. The Madison County Economic Development Technical Assistance Program can be reached at (618) 296-4247 or Crowe’s Wood River Office at (618) 251-9840, are available to assist small businesses.

“We have fantastic businesses in the Metro East region,” Crowe said. “Our nation was built upon the entrepreneurial spirit. The places we eat, shop and explore are what make a community home.”

Small businesses and future entrepreneurs should take advantage of state programs and support services through the Illinois Department of Economic Development. Interested and potential business owners may visit www.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance.

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