We’re all gearing up for Black Friday, coming in just a week’s time, and it’s deals and price cuts will have throngs of people hoping to make good on those opportunities. It’s become as much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday as the turkey itself.

Regardless of how you feel about Thanksgiving day and using the day to go shopping, two things should be considered as important as that big screen TV you hope to get.

Remember to keep it local and remember your small businesses.

These two things should remain intrinsic to your shopping experience. It’s true you won’t find a 55-inch TV for $300 or a video game system with a great mail-in rebate but it’s the small businesses that are the lifeblood of each town and city. These are the people you see every day and these are the people that are keeping Austin’s retail going.

They are our neighbors and our friends and like any good neighbor and friend we have they deserve our support during this holiday season.

A lot of times these small businesses will have the deals as well with much less the hassle or standing in line.

Companies have even recognized the need to involve small and local businesses with Small Business Saturday, part of a trifecta of shopping days that also includes Cyber Monday. This movement, in its sixth year and driven by American Express, has always looked to get people through the doors of small businesses with the philosophy “Shop Small.”

And it’s worked.

According to www.americanexpress.com and it’s page for Shop Small 95 million people shopped in small businesses last year and that money not only goes to helping your favorite local store, but the community itself by keeping those dollars circulating here.

We’re not at all suggesting you don’t shop the big box stores. They are just as much a part of the community as small businesses are and with most things within our communities they deserve our support.

We’re just saying that in the rush to get that big-ticket item we take a moment to take advantage of what our small businesses have to offer.
Just a reminder

Remember that today is Give to the Max Day, a chance to donate funds to worthy causes and organizations in your community.

This is your opportunity to help quality efforts within Austin and the surrounding area that make your life and the lives of others better.

Visit www.givemn.org and perform a search to find those organizations in Austin that could use your help. It’s as simple as that.

You might be surprised as to how little time it takes to help someone.