(Washington, DC)—U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today released a video urging Marylanders to participate in Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2019.

“I look forward to Small Business Saturday every year, because for the past decade, the celebration has boosted sales at local, independently-owned businesses,” Ranking Member Cardin said in the video. “As the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, I see the many ways that small businesses help turn ZIP codes into communities, and Small Business Saturday gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation.”

Small Business Saturday, which was first established in 2010, is an annual celebration dedicated to boosting local economies by patronizing the 30.7 million small businesses in America. Last year, shoppers spent an estimated $17.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, and retailers are forecasting a 3.8 percent to 4.2 percent increase in sales this year.

Senator Cardin also recorded a series of public service announcements about Small Business Saturday that will air on nine radio stations across Maryland this week.

The video is available for download here. A full transcript follows:

“Hello, this is Senator Ben Cardin from Maryland. I encourage you to join me in celebrating Small Business Saturday on November 30.

“I look forward to Small Business Saturday every year, because for the past decade, the celebration has boosted sales at local, independently-owned businesses.

“As the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, I see the many ways that small businesses help turn ZIP codes into communities, and Small Business Saturday gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation.

“When I meet with small business owners across Maryland, they often tell me that Small Business Saturday and holiday season sales help them grow their businesses and create new jobs. In fact, small business owners report that nearly one-third of their annual sales occur during the holiday season.

“I hope you will join me by getting out there to Shop Small this week on November 30—Small Business Saturday.”