ISHPEMING — Small Business Season in upon us. For those that haven’t heard of it, Small Business Season is a free global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate on the importance of supporting not just a local business, but our neighbors and friends.

Small businesses support our community by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events.

Did you know that approximately 68% percent of the money you spend locally, stays local?

Our community is very important to us, so we decided to really get involved in promoting Small Business Season. So on Friday the 4th, we kicked off our own spin off of Elf on the Shelf.

“Small Business Shopper Sam” has hit the streets looking for the best ways of keeping her money local. Sam, is my American Girl doll that I’ve had since I was a child.

My family rolled their eyes at me when I wouldn’t part with her when I moved into the Ishpeming area. Well Sam and all of her accessories are really coming in handy while showcasing our great businesses.

So far, Small Business Shopper Sam has had adventures into Midtown Bakery to try some of their fantastic homemade cookies. She’s checked out the bikes and accessories in Love and Bicycles. She even rolled up her sleeping bag and stopped in Wilderness Sports to plan for her upcoming hunt.

Each day we make a new post on our Facebook page with Sam in a new small business. It’s something light hearted and fun to engage the community. Be sure to follow our Facebook page to keep up with Sam and her adventures.

While touring the area, the GINCC is also collecting different ideas for gifts for this holiday season. I’m hoping to have a gift giving guide that highlights some unique treasures found in our areas local shops ready by Black Friday.

If any of our businesses would like to participate by showcasing their holiday specials or their unique products, please email me at ginccmarketing@gmail.com.

The sooner I get a compilation, the faster we can all get to keeping our money in our community and cross our loved ones off our holiday shopping lists.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Samantha LaJeunesse is the Marketing & Events Coordinator at the GINCC. She currently resides in Ishpeming with her boyfriend, Curt, and their fur babies. She loves golfing, crafting, and creating new recipes in her kitchen.