Tester, Daines Encourage Montana to “Shop Small” on Nov. 26

(U.S. SENATE) – In recognition of Small Business Saturday, U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are encouraging their fellow Montanans to “shop small.”

Tester and Daines are original co-sponsors of a bipartisan resolution to recognize November 26, 2016 as “Small Business Saturday” and to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. S.Res. 569 unanimously passed the United States Senate.

“Montana’s small businesses help drive our economy and create jobs,” Tester said. “This holiday season I hope folks will support their local businesses and pump money back into their communities. When Main Street thrives Montana thrives.”

“When small businesses grow, our economy grows,” Daines stated. “Our country was founded on hard work and entrepreneurship and I’m proud that Montana small businesses continue to lead the way and exemplify the best of our country’s heritage. I encourage my fellow Montanans to shop small and join me in supporting Montana small businesses not just this Saturday, but every day.”

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses significantly impact Montana’s economy. Small businesses represent 97.4 percent of all Montana employers and employ 67.4 percent of Montana’s private-sector labor force.

The U.S. Senate first recognized “Small Business Saturday” in 2011 when it unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the day.