ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of Small Business Season.

The Chamber is launching the program to support Ellsworth’s small businesses and create awareness about the importance of shopping local and small throughout the holiday season and all year. During the upcoming holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of the local business community.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and locally owned businesses are particularly important to our rural communities,” said Ellsworth Chamber Executive Director Team Member Kim Beebe. “Small businesses support our community by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events.”

By implementing Small Business Season, the Ellsworth Chamber hopes to encourage people to patronize local small businesses throughout the Ellsworth area this holiday season. In addition to the many retailers in the area, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, and local artisans that count on holiday spending to end the year profitably.

“Small Business Season is a way to help our residents understand how their spending affects our area and quality of life,” adds Beebe. “When consumers spend their dollars locally, that makes a local impact. On average, our local small businesses generate a $68 economic return for every $100 spent with them.”

In addition to increased awareness through the Small Business Season campaign, the Chamber also supports the local business community through their Ellsworth Bucks program. Ellsworth Bucks is a community currency program that supports local businesses and the local economy.

Similar to gift certificates and gifts cards, Ellsworth Bucks are available in a variety of denominations and can be spent at participating local merchants.

“Gift cards are popular during the holiday season. Instead of supporting a big box retailer with gift card purchases, we’re hoping residents will give Ellsworth Bucks knowing those gifts will benefit local businesses and their dollars will stay local,” said Beebe.

Ellsworth Bucks are convenient and can be purchased online through the Ellsworth Chamber’s website at ellsworthchamber. com, making them a great last minute gift idea.

“Our local businesses do so much for Ellsworth. They are our neighbors and friends. They are the first to step up when there’s a need in our community and they make so much of what we love about Ellsworth possible,” said Village President Becky Beissel. “When we lose a member of our business community, we feel it. I would love to see our local businesses all have their best holiday season ever this year with the support of our community!”

The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and Ellsworth businesses are challenging everyone in the area to support local and small businesses this holiday season.

Submitted by Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce