Congressman Carney Promotes Shopping Local Throughout The Holiday Season

Congressman Carney joined Bob Hart, co-owner of Al’s Sporting Goods, John Fleming, Delaware District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several leaders in the state’s small business community on Tuesday to encourage Delawareans to support local businesses throughout the holiday season.  

“We’re entering the biggest shopping time of the year,” said Congressman Carney.  “The stores that could really benefit are those small businesses all across the state that create jobs, strengthen the economy, and preserve our communities.  I want to help these businesses capture some of the momentum from this upcoming weekend, get more shoppers into their stores, and turn them into loyal customers all year round.”

In addition to raising awareness about shopping at small businesses during the holiday season, Congressman Carney is offering an incentive for Delawareans who support locally owned stores.  Starting this weekend, Delawareans are encouraged to take a photo of their receipt from a Delaware small business and post it to the Congressman’s Facebook page.  Doing so will enter the person into a drawing to win lunch for two with Congressman Carney in the Member’s Dining Room in the Capitol.  Participants can enter multiple times, and the photos must be posted by December 27, 2013.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses nationwide accounted for 65% of net new jobs created over the past 17 years.  In addition, money spent at local businesses is more likely to stay in the community.  The SBA reports that as much at $68 of every $100 spent at small, independent businesses will stay in the local economy.

“The SBA is proud to support Small Businesses Saturday,” said John Fleming, Delaware District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  “Last year, the SBA backed 130 loans for more than $58 million to small businesses in Delaware. Our Resource Partners provided training to hundreds of prospective and existing small business owners, and we guided many companies to success in Government Contracting. Going forward, the SBA is waiving fees on loans under $150,000, and all loans less than $350,000 to veterans to further promote lending in the state.”

Al’s Sporting Goods has been a small family business in downtown Wilmington since it opened nearly 80 years ago.  For generations, Delawareans have visited Al’s for jerseys, athletic equipment, and merchandise for their favorite teams.  

“Shopping locally, especially during the holiday season, is critical for our business, and so many others like us,” said Bob Hart, co-owner of Al’s Sporting Goods.  “Small businesses help sustain a community.  The people that work here are your neighbors, and we stay in business because of local sports teams, athletes, and fans.  We’ve been invested in this community for decades, and are thankful for both the new and loyal customers that visit us every day.”