After fighting crowds of early Christmas shoppers on Black Friday, and before charging up your credit cards on Cyber Monday, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer asks that you don't forget to buy local on the fifth annual Small Business this Saturday, Nov. 29.
Commissioner Comer says an easy way to ensure you are buying local is to look for Kentucky Proud products.
One venue which caters to local businesses which produce items from the land and environment is the SKY Holiday Farmers Market in downtown Bowling Green. The market, which is attached to the La Gala café at 601 State Street, features 15 vendors, who sell their foods and creations inside each Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. This Saturday will be the third of six straight weeks of being open.
Elaine and Lindsay Turner of Turner Valley Produce and Crafts in Russellville are located in the booth which customers see first when they come in through the entrance near the Circus Square fountain near SKYPAC.
The SKY Farmers Market, which has been in business for 11 years, is located near the Medical Center in warm weather months. Kellie Diamond is president of the SKY Farmers Market.
"Buying Kentucky Proud is a great way to show your friends and loved ones how you feel about them as well as your Kentucky home," Comer said. "Kentucky Proud gifts can be especially meaningful to people in other states who have a connection to Kentucky. And of course, when you buy Kentucky Proud, you're helping Kentucky farm families and small businesses."
Kentucky Proud recently revamped its website at www.kyproud.com with a state-of-the-art search engine to enable users to find Kentucky Proud products and stores that carry them. From the website, users can download the Kentucky Proud locater app for their smartphones, find a farmers' market, search recipes that use Kentucky Proud products, and locate a family-friendly Kentucky farm destination.
Studies show that small businesses have a big impact on the American economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are currently 23 million small businesses across the nation representing more than 99 percent of American employers. Small businesses employ more than 55 percent of the nation's working population and generate 46 percent of private gross domestic product.
"Small businesses generate jobs, payroll, and tax revenues, and they offer a vast selection of unique products," Commissioner Comer said. "I hope every Kentuckian will join me in patronizing local stores and shopping for Kentucky Proud products on Small Business Saturday and all year long."