Stephan & Associates Monthly Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter
I hope you’re doing well--and that you’re ready to do some shopping as we enter the holiday season! On that note, I wanted to reach out regarding Small Business Saturday, which occurs two days after Thanksgiving and a day after Black Friday.

In case you’re not familiar with Small Business Saturday’s history, it was founded by American Express in 2010 during the Great Recession, and it has been co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011. The yearly event combines the fun of shopping with the opportunity to help small businesses--and the local and national economies.

Nationally, small businesses employ more than half of all workers, and about two out of every three new jobs are created by small businesses. Small U.S. businesses create $4.8 trillion in GDP--about as much as the total gross domestic product (GDP) of the world’s third-largest economy, Japan.

At a local level, small businesses can strengthen the economy--and the community-- considerably. Here are eight key ways:
1. Money stays in the community - 67 cents on the dollar, in fact. This money funds the local taxes that finance schools and other services. Small businesses are also much more likely than chains to support local teams, nonprofits, and fundraisers.
2. Local economic activity spurs momentum. Local businesses are more likely to purchase from other local businesses, which raises overall economic activity in your area.
3. Jobs are created and employment rates stay stable. Small businesses are more likely to hire locally, keeping wages and benefits in town and fostering a financially healthier community.
4. Distinctive local character is preserved. Small businesses are more likely to carry diverse products and contribute to local flavor, unlike regional or national chains that are the same everywhere you go. Small businesses help create unique, bustling communities. This turns your area into a destination, which can increase tourism.
5. Higher economic activity attracts new business creators. Supporting small businesses shows potential new business owners that this is a safe place to start small companies. When new businesses are started, new jobs are created and economic activity gains even more momentum.
6. The environment breathes a sigh of relief. Local purchases require less transportation of goods, which means less traffic, fewer emissions, and less air pollution.
7. Real estate values increase. When an area has a strong economy, plenty of job opportunities, and distinctive local flavor, people are more likely to want to live there. As a result, real estate gains value, reflecting the health and desirability of the location.
8. The community is united – which it really needs during these difficult times.
Now more than ever, small businesses need our support as they face the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. How can you help?

First, make at least one purchase from a local small retailer on Small Business Saturday. Second, post about your shopping trip on social media using the hashtags #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall. Third, be like the more than 75% of current Small Business Saturday shoppers (including me!) who say they now shop locally more often throughout the whole year.

Together, we can show our thanks for our amazing community by helping to preserve all that makes it unique, one local purchase at a time. With that said, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving--and a productive Small Business Saturday!

Best,
Brian, Tobia, Ed, Chrissy and Becky

Important reminders this month:

Nov 7th. Daylight Savings Time- Set your clocks back!

Nov.24th. Our office will be closing at noon.
Nov. 25& 26th Our office will be closed for Thanksgiving holiday.
Our office will re-open On Monday 29th for regular business hours.

“The greatest compliment you can give us is an introduction to someone you care about and respect”

354 N. Detroit St. Xenia, Oh 45385
Phone: 937-374-2002

www.stephanwealth.com

From your team at Stephan & Associates:
Brian, Tobia, Ed, Chrissy and Becky


“The greatest compliment you can give us is an introduction to someone you care about and respect”