Shoe Fly outlet manager Melanie Warrender sets up leather goods in the recently expanded store.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Locally owned small businesses are in the spotlight this weekend during the 16th annual Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and the communities in which they thrive.
Celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, consumers have reported spending an estimated $200 billion at small businesses on the special day that was first recognized in 2010.
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce, a longtime supporter of the initiative, is doing something a bit different this year.
“We want to make sure our local small businesses have as much exposure as possible, so we got creative and put together the Small Business Catalog,” said Brittany Mayer, digital media manager.
The catalog is available online and allows views to flip through the pages to see what deals, gifts or experiences are available during this time of year in Blair County, Brittany Mayer said.
Winemaker and general manager Scott Schraff is pictured with holiday
pumpkin spice wines at Oak Spring Winery.
Mirror photo by Holly Claycomb
“We wanted to make something unique and free for the entire business community to show how much we care about our small businesses and how important they are to our area,” she said, noting the catalog has been well received.
“Participating in the Chamber’s Small Business Catalog gives us a valuable platform to connect with local customers and fellow entrepreneurs,” said travel agent Donna Chesney of Ketrow Kurtz Travel,
Duncansville. “It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase our unique travel expertise and personalized service, while contributing to the growth and visibility of small businesses in our area. Being part of this catalog supports our mission to build lasting relationships and demonstrate our commitment to local economic vibrancy.”
“The Blair County Chamber does a great job coordinating ‘buy local’ support, and we wanted to show our appreciation of these efforts by participating in their catalog,” said Carissa Itle Westrick, director of business development at Vale Wood Farms, Loretto.
Day kicks off holiday season
Shoe Fly associate Andrew Savino helps Jeannie Gentry of Huntingdon with a shoe selection and fit.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Many area businesses have been long-time supporters of Small Business Saturday.
“We have participated in Small Business Saturday for the last five years. We love SBS because it kicks off the holiday season for us,” said owner Marcia Cumming of MarCia’s Chocolates, Altoona. “SBS is a great opportunity to highlight local businesses right before the busy gift-giving season, it refocuses attention away from the large boxed stores and reminds the community that we are still here.”
“Small Business Saturday is important because in this day and age of box stores and online shopping, it highlights small businesses that are very important for the community,” said owner Scott Schraff of Oak Spring Winery, Altoona.
LaVonne Falbo, owner of Statement Designs, Bellwood, said she participates in Small Business Saturday because it’s one of the biggest days of the year for businesses like hers.
“I think Small Business Saturday has become as important to both small businesses and consumers as Black Friday. Big box stores push Black Friday deals earlier every year while Shop Small Saturday remains dedicated to shopping small. I think it has become more and more important to consumers to support local small businesses,” Falbo said.
Winemaker and general manager Scott Schraff is seen with wine making supplies stocked at Oak Spring Winery.
Mirror photo by Holly Claycomb
Shoe Fly Shoes has loved being part of Small Business Saturday, President Todd Lewis said.
“It’s such a great way to connect with our community and thank the people who make what we do possible. This year felt extra special since we’ve expanded our showroom and added new store concepts — it’s been a big year of growth for us,” Lewis said. “We’re excited to share those updates with our customers and keep celebrating what it means to shop local.”
Events like Small Business Saturday are vital to businesses like Ketrow Kurtz Travel.
“These occasions draw focused attention to the unique offerings of small businesses, encouraging community members to shop local and support personalized service providers like Ketrow Kurtz Travel. They help build goodwill, increase our visibility, and foster connections with new clients who value expert guidance over generic online bookings,” Chesney said.
Small business events are crucial for our community development offering both economic benefits and opportunities for social connection, said owner Toni White of Toni White Insurance Services, Duncansville.
Holiday pumpkin spice wines are offered at Oak Spring Winery.
Mirror photo by Holly Claycomb
“I think it is important to acknowledge small businesses in our area because we are all local and should be able to help each other out when possible. Small businesses play a huge role in communities by creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and shaping the town’s character. We contribute to the community by sponsoring local events, supporting local causes and providing personalized customer service,” White said.
New Look Uniform and Embroidery, Altoona, isn’t open on Saturdays, but owner Kim McEldowney said Small Business Saturday is important.
“Local businesses are vital to our community, and we should all try to purchase from local businesses when possible. Small businesses play a huge role in the community; among other things, we are the ones who give back to the community,” McEldowney said.
Small Business Saturday events are a crucial part of the survival of small businesses in Hollidaysburg, said Anna Bidoli, front of house/bar manager at U.S. Hotel Tavern.
“Many storefronts will often work together to run special sales and encourage patrons of the borough to support the local restaurants while they are out shopping. This is especially true for the holiday season,” Bidoli said.
Oak Spring Winery, at 2401 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., houses its 814 Distillery.
Mirror photo by Holly Claycomb
Travis Seymore, owner of Alto Market, Altoona, said small businesses are irreplaceable.
“I would say they are the most important part of any community. They provide items, foods and services most major chains and box stores don’t handle. They also tend to be a community of their own — at least the ones I know,” Seymore said.
Chesney said small businesses are the “heartbeat” of any community. They create jobs, add character to their communities and offer services and experiences large corporations can’t always provide.
“Small businesses embody the spirit of authenticity, personalized attention and trust — values we hold dearly in our own work. Supporting small businesses means investing in stronger local economies, fostering innovation, and building communities where relationships and exceptional experiences thrive. They are essential,” Chesney said.
Others call small businesses the “backbone of the community.”
“The customers get better personal interaction and more with the business. Here at Oak Spring Winery, you can try before you buy; you can’t do that at the state store or big box store. You get more unique products like our holiday wine in a Christmas tree-shaped bottle, I’ve never seen them anywhere else,” Schraff said.
“Hollidaysburg is mainly small businesses and very few corporations. These small businesses allow for the flow of money to circulate within the community only, which directly affects the livelihood of the people living here. Many residents of Hollidaysburg take pride in supporting their favorite local businesses. We truly value our regular customers who come in consistently and have formed positive relationships with our staff. In our ever-changing economic world, it’s important now more than ever for communities to uplift and support local, small businesses,” Bidoli said.
The strength of a local community depends on local businesses.
“Small businesses sponsor your little league team and donate to your basket party. They buy your 4-H project animal and provide the first part-time job for neighborhood kids. Local businesses support the fabric of our society. The strength of a community depends on the strength of their local businesses,” Westrick said.
“Small Business Saturday is a special alert of awareness for the community to support the many small business opportunities that exist in Blair County. It’s a reminder to seek out and discover the uniqueness of talents,” said owner Rachel DiAndrea of Pet Art Studios, Altoona.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.
Staples of table wines at Oak Spring Winery. Mirror photo by Holly Claycomb
