Like The Baker’s Rhapsody, they are the new businesses that have created new jobs.  They’re the stores such as Judd Lumber that help build our economy.  And, they are the mom and pop specialty shops, such as Rosy Tomorrows, whose very presence is what makes Dowagiac unique.

Small Business Saturday, celebrated nation-wide and in Dowagiac this Saturday, is a time to recognize the small business owners of this community, some of whom are second, third and even fourth-generation business owners, such as Carol and Art Springsteen of Imperial Furniture.  They are also Dowagiac’s first-time business owners such as Debbie Rohdy of Bow Wow Bakery & Bath on Front Street.

“Small Business Saturday is a day to do our part for those businesses that do so much for our community,” said Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority.  “It’s a day to shop at stores owned by our friends and neighbors.  It’s a day to think big, doing our part to support the businesses that are the heartbeat of Dowagiac, as you shop these small and local businesses.

“Collectively, these companies breathe life into our community. The uniqueness of our specialty shops and the vibrancy of the fine and casual dining, offered by Wood Fire Italian Trattoria to The Wounded Minnow Saloon and Beeson Street Bar & Grill, is what sets Dowagiac a part from other communities our size.”

“Small business owners, from retail to manufacturing, provide jobs, preserve neighborhoods and feed the local economy,” Phillipson said. “When economic times are tough, they struggle right alongside each and every one of us.  They share our dreams for Dowagiac, and our hope for the future.

“Choosing to shop local on Small Business Saturday and on every day strengthens our community and our future. Annual events, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, such as the upcoming Candle-light Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 2, bring hundreds of people into our central business district, as we rally support for our business community.”

The national movement, founded by American Express in 2010, is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

“Small Business Saturday is a movement that millions of individuals and communities, nation-wide, have embraced, just as we will do in Dowagiac this Saturday,” Phillipson said.

The Chamber of Commerce has placed Small Business Day signage on display this week at several locations within the community, to remind residents to shop local.  Bank employees throughout the community and many Front Street merchants are also wearing Small Business Day buttons this week, as they encourage their customers to join the movement today and every day, sharing the pledge to shop local.

Small Business Saturday, which is part of Dowagiac’s Christmas Celebration, was underwritten by Advanced Dermatology, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, the Business Center of Southwestern Michigan, Casual Tees Inc., Chemical Bank, Cass County COA / Front Street Crossing, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Edward Jones’ Office of Kim MacGregor, John A. Vylonis Custom Building, Mahar Insurance, The Timbers of Cass County and Wightman & Associates.