Locals prepare for Small Business Saturday in the Valley

WASILLA — Small Business Saturday is fast approaching, and establishments across the Mat-Su Valley are preparing for this annual campaign that encourages people to shop locally.

Numerous local businesses plan to offer special discounts and free community events surrounding Small Business Saturday.

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce holds a local shopping incentive program called Shop Palmer every holiday season.

Shop Palmer is an opportunity for locals to win prizes through weekly drawings. Participants simply shop and collect stamps at local businesses.

Shoppers who spend $10 or more at participating businesses earn a stamp. Those who collect 10 stamps can enter to win. Weekly drawings are held from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20.

Palmer Chamber Executive Director Ailis Vann said Shop Palmer aligns with the overall message of Small Business Saturday. She said it’s a fun and interactive way community members can support the local economy.

“It’s worth coming to Palmer for. You just feel the energy of everybody being excited,” Vann said. “Palmer would not be the place that it is without the small businesses.”

The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce holds a community-wide campaign called Support Local November. True to its name, the concept is simply to purchase goods and services from as many local businesses as possible throughout the month of November.

Local shoppers can collect stamps from 49 participating businesses located in the Wasilla area, according to Wasilla Chamber CEO Jessica Viera. She said there will be special prizes for shoppers who collect all 49 stamps.

Viera said this annual campaign also serves as a reminder to shop at local businesses throughout the year, not just during the holidays.

“It’s fantastic. We love supporting our small local businesses. I think we have great diversity. You can do almost anything you’re looking for in the Valley and sometimes things you didn’t know you needed,” Viera said. “It’s vital that our community supports small businesses. We want people to support local all year round.”

For more information about the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce,

For more information about the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce,

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com