Whether you were brave enough to fight the crowds yesterday, Black Friday, or your focus is firmly on Cyber Monday, today is a very important day for local merchants.

Dubbed Small Business Saturday, this is a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods here and around the country. Small Business Saturday is a national movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

The program was started by American Express in 2010.

And that movement is growing rapidly. American Express reported sales of $16.2 billion in 2015, up from $14.5 billion the year prior, with 95 million customers reporting shopping small at local retailers, salons, restaurants and more.

Every dollar you spend at home helps our community.

First, retail is a tough business, and many retailers depend upon a good “season” – usually the holiday – to stay in business.

Secondly, local businesses support local civic groups, charities, and organizations, giving back to our community.

Finally, the sales taxes collected on goods sold locally insure that we have good roads, funding for education, public parks, law enforcement protection, and many, many other services on which we rely.

We hope you’ll do your shopping at home this holiday season, and make an effort to support locally-owned businesses today.