[Page H9542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, next week, we will kick 
off the holiday season with Thanksgiving and reflect on all that we are 
thankful for in our lives. It also marks the start of the very busy 
holiday shopping season.
  In an effort to support local shops that make our communities strong, 
Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving 
to encourage people to shop small and bring more holiday shopping to 
small businesses. On this day, we celebrate and support small 
businesses and all that they do for our local communities.
  There are more than 30 million small businesses in the United States 
that have created 8.4 million jobs in the last two decades.
  Mr. Speaker, small, locally owned businesses employ our neighbors and 
contribute to the fabric of our local communities.
  The Shop Small movement truly is about supporting our mom-and-pop 
shops. Whether it is a cup of coffee from a local spot or a unique gift 
for a loved one, everyone has an opportunity to join in and support 
independent business owners on Small Business Saturday.

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