Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed November 26 as Small Business Saturday to celebrate small businesses and their contributions to the local economy and community.
Small Business Saturday is recognized nationwide to encourage citizens to support small local shops and restaurants.
"The City of Key West supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities," reads the proclamation.
Kevin Theriault, Executive Director of Key West Business Guild, and Mark Gambuzza of Shop Mom & Pop accepted the proclamation.
Gambuzza said that the small business owners appreciate the City's efforts to revitalize downtown. He appealed to the commission to take further action and find ways to work with the Tourist Development Council to promote small businesses and festivals.
"I appeal to the business owners to invest in our employees," he said. "And I appeal to our locals to get around the island, not just downtown, and support small businesses.
"These people donate to your kids' school and step up to the plate when someone needs to get fed. It takes everyone in this village to make this work. We appreciate all the efforts you guys are making."
In the photo from L to R: Commissioners Jimmy Weekley and Mary Lou Hoover (at the dais), Mayor Teri Johnston, Mark Gambuzza, Kevin Theriault, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioner Billy Wardlow.
