In Norman, Oklahoma, there's a new spin on supporting local enterprises during the holiday shopping frenzy. It's called Small Business Season, and Norman's Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman has made a formal proclamation at City Hall to spread the word. Lending a voice to the significance small businesses play in the community, the initiative encourages residents to "shop small" and "shop local" starting Saturday and continuing throughout the festive season, according to the City of Norman.
Partnered with the Norman Chamber of Commerce and VisitNorman, the city has been pushing Small Business Saturday since 2015. But this year represents an evolution of the event, expanding the initiative to an entire season meant to amplify the power of small businesses. In a move that mirrors national trends, Norman is banking on the locally-owned shops and services that Mayor Holman states are “Norman’s small businesses are essential to our unique culture and local economy, driving job creation and community investment," and according to data, are responsible for creating most of the nation's new jobs, the City of Norman emphasized.
The proclamation was presented to Stephanie O’Hara, who runs Kidoodles of Norman, in a moment she shared with her family. Demonstrating a touch of local spirit, O’Hara, accompanied by her son Smith and daughter Stella, graciously accepted the honor and underscored its impact on local families. The O’Hara family message reinforces the community aspect: "Especially during the holidays, every purchase made locally helps support families in Norman and keeps Norman thriving," the family shared with the City of Norman.
Residents interested in participating in Small Business Season, which runs until the end of December, can find a directory of local businesses through the VisitNorman app or the Norman Chamber of Commerce website. Doing so not only allows finding unique gifts but also ensures that 68 cents of every dollar spent remains in the local economy, a significant statistic that underscores the value of shopping locally.
