During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 15th, Mayor Paul Callaghan read a proclamation declaring November 26, 2022, as SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY in the City of Rochester, and urged residents to support small businesses and merchants throughout the year.

WHEREAS, the City of Rochester, NH, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; and

WHEREAS, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees, small businesses are responsible for 62% of net new jobs created since 1995, and small businesses employ 46.8% of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and

WHEREAS, 79% of consumers understand the importance of supporting the small businesses in their community on Small Business Saturday®, 70% report the day makes them want to encourage others to Shop Small®, independently-owned retailers, and 66% report that the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long; and

WHEREAS, 58% of shoppers reported they shopped online with a small business and 54% reported they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café on Small Business Saturday in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Rochester, New Hampshire supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities; and

WHEREAS, advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Paul Callaghan, do hereby proclaim November 26, 2022, as SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY in the City of Rochester, New Hampshire, and urge the residents of our community to support small businesses and merchants throughout the year.