Erickson Jewelers will offer 40% off Citizen watches, engagement rings starting at $50 a month and a free gift with purchase during Small Business Saturday. From left are Tris Bain, sales associate; store owners Randy and Sherri Erickson; and Dawn Caruso, manager. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — For Small Business Saturday, Loyal 2 Local is urging community members to shop local first this holiday shopping season.

“I think the small businesses are excited for the holiday season and they will be open and hoping that people will walk through the doors on Small Business Saturday,” said Mindy Meyers, Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance executive director.

Small Business Saturday was started in 2010 by American Express as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to help small businesses gain exposure and inspire consumers to shop within their own communities.

Loyal 2 Local encourages area consumers to shop locally whenever possible, not just on Small Business Saturday.

“Small Business Saturday has a special place in our hearts,” Meyers said. “Small businesses are a crucial part of our local economy, not only through tax revenue but also by creating a more vibrant atmosphere that lends itself towards a greater quality of life.”

Under the umbrella of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, the Loyal 2 Local program has been advocating for local businesses since July 2018.

According to the Loyal 2 Local website, the organization is on a mission “to create a culture of support and awareness of the importance of the small business community.”

“Because for every $100 that is spent in the Dickinson area, $68 stays in our area, so it is just being mindful of supporting our friends and colleagues in the community that run these small businesses that make Dickinson area such a magical place to live,” Meyers said.

Loyal 2 Local has more than 90 businesses that are a part of the program, including retail, restaurants and business-to-business operations. Some members are municipalities and larger businesses that believe in the importance of supporting the Dickinson County area community, which includes Niagara and Florence in Wisconsin as well, Meyers said.

There are a many reasons why supporting local businesses is important, she added. Not only do small businesses enhance the tax base, they create community gathering places, provide unique experiences, add to the character of the community and offer expertise and the option to see or try an item before the purchase.

In addition, small businesses support jobs that employ local residents and invest profits into the local economy, including donations to nonprofits, youth activities, fundraisers and community projects.

Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to go online to the business directory at www.loyal2local.org/directory to learn more about the businesses supporting Loyal 2 Local efforts.

Meyers is pleased with the progress the program has made.

“The Loyal 2 Local community has been creating ripples since 2018 by creating a culture of support and awareness about the importance of a thriving small business community,” Meyers said. “‘Shop local’ has radiated throughout the community; we see it in newspaper ads and hear it in radio ads.”

Loyal 2 Local has had a busy year, adding several new benefits and features for members. This year new members received a Google review card with a QR code that can be kept by the checkout for customers to scan and leave a review right away when it is still in mind.

Also new for the year is the Love 2B Local newsletter that offers businesses a way to connect with the community, with shopping guides, places to eat and events.

Meyers is looking forward to the year ahead and hopefully adding even more businesses to the Loyal 2 Local program.

Jim Paul can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or jpaul@ironmountaindailynews.com.