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A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 30, 2024 AS “SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY” IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
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WHEREAS, Small Business Saturday was first observed on November 27, 2010 as a day designated for celebrating and promoting the many small, locally owned, independent businesses that contribute to the vitality of communities nationwide; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S., which comprise 99% of all businesses in the country and account for roughly 40% of the nation’s gross domestic output; and
WHEREAS, The City of Gahanna’s community of small business owners are pivotal to our local economy and contribute significantly to the quality of life for residents; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses employ more than half of the City’s private sector workforce and are critical to the growth of our local economy, as they continue to drive significant job creation and innovation; and
WHEREAS, Like small businesses nationwide, Gahanna’s local small business owners are deeply engaged in our community, whether through hosting, sponsoring or contributing to community events and organizations, donating to local charities, or forming partnerships with other local businesses that support one another and enhance the community at large; and
WHEREAS, Customers and consumers who choose to shop at Gahanna’s local small businesses directly and significantly contribute to the strength and vitality of our city’s local economy and help to support the continued economic growth and prosperity of our city; and
WHEREAS, When we support local small businesses, we support local jobs and invest dollars back into our community, as national studies have found that approximately $0.68 of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the community, and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional $0.48 in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services; and
WHEREAS, The City of Gahanna proudly supports the local, independent and small businesses and retailers that continue to invest in our community and acknowledges the critical role that small business owners continue to play as significant contributors to the quality of life for Gahanna’s residents and to the economic success of our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That City Council and the Mayor join in designating November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday, celebrating the contributions of local, independently owned small businesses to the economic vitality and community spirit of Gahanna.
Section 2. That City Council and the Mayor urge residents to support Gahanna’s small businesses by shopping locally, recognizing the significant impact each purchase has on sustaining jobs, fostering community partnerships, and enhancing the quality of life in our city.
Section 3. That City Council and the Mayor commend Gahanna’s small business owners for their dedication, innovation, and engagement in community events, acknowledging their role in driving local economic growth and contributing to the city's ongoing prosperity.
Section 4. This joint resolution and proclamation shall be in full effect at the earliest period allowed by law.