MARQUETTE — The weekend after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping weekend of the year, which is why Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has designated Nov. 26 as Small Business Saturday as a way to encourage Michigan residents to shop locally.

Black Friday is associated with hundreds of people lining up outside of big box stores but keeping a focus on local businesses allows residents to make sure that the money they spend stays in their communities.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Gov. Whitmer in a press release. “Supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs creates good-paying jobs and supports more vibrant communities in every region of our state,”

“On Small Business Saturday, let’s celebrate Michigan’s small businesses and their invaluable contributions to our communities by shopping local–and let’s keep doing so throughout the holiday season and all year long. I will continue working with anyone to ensure that our small businesses have the resources they need to succeed as we continue growing Michigan’s economy and building a brighter future together.” Whitmer said.

Big things are planned locally as well, with businesses throughout Marquette County having special sales and offers planned.

“Small Business Saturday is a much more casual, relaxed atmosphere,” said Bob Hendrickson, executive director of the Greater Negaunee-Ishpeming Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a little more geared towards customers.”

Hendrickson encouraged everyone to get out and visit small businesses for their holiday shopping.

“We’re offering a limited quantity of Small Business Saturday tote bags on Saturday,” Hendrickson said. “Stop by the GINCC office on U.S. 41 to pick those up. There is also a holiday gift guide that the GINCC will be posting on our social media. That features GINCC members who have offers that they are providing throughout the holiday season.”

The GINCC office is located at 910 U.S. 41 West in Ishpeming.

“Every day is a day to celebrate and patronize Michigan’s homegrown businesses. No business is small to those who are putting it all on the line, and so we remain focused on creating pathways and opportunities for our entrepreneurs to realize their vision,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “With our new small business team, we will continue setting the stage for Michigan’s economic growth for generations to come.”

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.