E2. Small Business Saturday Proclamation - Nov 26, 2016PROCLAMATION
Whereas, the government of Kalispell, Montana celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and
community; according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are currently 28.8 million small businesses in the United States, they
represent 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees in the United States, are responsible for 63 percent of net new jobs created over the past 20
years; and
Whereas, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has supported and promoted Small Business Saturday since 2012 and has over 110 small businesses
registered to participate in 2016; and
Whereas, the City of Kalispell has more than 3,600 business establishments, many of which are small businesses, that pay taxes, hire employees,
sponsor community and school events, and add to the vibrancy and success of Kalispell and the regional economy; and
Whereas, since its founding in 1891, Kalispell has served as a city for men and women to start and grow small businesses that support families, create
wealth, and make Kalispell an outstanding place to live and work; and
Whereas, small businesses employ over 49 percent of all businesses with employees in the United States; and
Whereas, 89% of consumers in the US agree that small businesses contribute positively to the local community by supplying jobs and generating tax
revenue; and 87% agree that small businesses are critical to the overall economic health of the United States; and
Whereas, 93% of consumers in the US agree that it is important for people to support the small businesses that they value in their community; and
Whereas, Kalispell, Montana supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our neighborhoods; and
Whereas, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, other advocacy groups as well as public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the
Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
Now, Therefore, I, Mark Johnson, Mayor of Kalispell, Montana do hereby proclaim, November 26, 2016, as:
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
And urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and
merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
Mark Johnson, Mayor