FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield shoppers have another opportunity to score holiday shopping bargains and support the local economy at the same time. Mayor Bob Stephens is encouraging residents to participate in Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 29, by issuing a proclamation declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as “Small Business Saturday” in Springfield. Four years ago, American Express launched a national “Small Business Saturday” campaign to encourage sales at small businesses between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. "Small Business Saturday offers us a chance to show our support for the small businesses here in the Springfield area," Stephens said. "I urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants not only on this one day, but throughout the year. Our local entrepreneurs, friends, families and small business owners in the community should be supported as they keep and spend the dollars in the state, thus creating a large multiplier for every dollar spent." Urban Districts Alliance, Walnut Street merchants and the Commercial Club representing small businesses in the C-Street District, are among those reminding shoppers about the contributions small businesses make to the local economy and community. For a listing of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday holiday deals downtown, visit itsalldowntown.com/shopsmall. ### For more information, contact: Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, 417-864-1009 (office) | 417-380-3352 (cell), [email protected]