November 25^th marks the eighth annual Small Business Saturday. This is a day that is dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs and boost local economies across the country.

Small Business Saturday serves as the kickoff of the holiday shopping season for small business owners throughout Missouri. When you shop local, you are supporting your neighbors and your community, and by shopping at these small businesses, you will be supporting 36 percent of retail trade employees in Missouri.

In 2012, Americans spent an estimated $5.5 billion at small retailers on Small Business Saturday. By 2016, that number had grown to $15.5 billion. Clearly, participation in Small Business Saturday is having a substantial economic impact on local businesses across the country.

Just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with women who own small businesses in St. Charles and Washington, Mo. It is because of those women small business owners who put in long hours and hard work each day, that our communities continue to develop and grow. These individuals rely on days like Small Business Saturday to get their neighbors into their stores and shop local.

I have said time and time again that America’s small businesses are the engines of job creation, employing about half of all private sector employees. I thank all of our small business employers and employees in the 3^rd District. While here in Missouri or in Washington, I will continue to protect the livelihoods of those individuals who continue to fight the odds and succeed as small business owners.