The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors declared Saturday, Nov. 25 as “Small Business Saturday” in recognition of the community’s small businesses and as an effort to encourage residents to support those small businesses.

Small Business Saturday is an answer of sorts to Black Friday, the first shopping day after Thanksgiving and the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season.

In its resolution that was adopted during the board’s October meeting, the supervisors acknowledged that they believe small businesses are the backbone of nation’s and community’s economy and “the glue that holds communities together.”

The resolution notes that small businesses employ 90 percent of the employees in the private sector in Botetourt, and the county supports those local businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy and preserves the community’s neighborhoods.

“Whereas, a majority of consumers agree it is important to support the small businesses they value in their community; and Whereas, the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, along with advocacy groups and public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday; and

Whereas, residents of our community, and communities across the country, are being asked to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year;

Now, Therefore, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors do hereby proclaim November 25, 2017, as “Small Business Saturday.”