2019-11-19 Proclamation Small Business Saturday1
Office of the Mayor
Okeechobee, Florida
WHEREAS, Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express and officially co-
sponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2015. Small Business Saturday has
become an important part of how many small businesses launch their busiest shopping
season; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee believes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy
and the glue that holds communities together. According to the United States Small Business
Administration, as of 2018, there are currently 30.2 million small businesses in the United
States. They represent more than 99 percent of American companies, create two-thirds of the
net new jobs, and generate half of gross domestic product, and
WHEREAS, small businesses employ over 55% of the employees in the private sector in the United
States; and 89% of consumers in the United States believe it's important to support the local,
small businesses they value in their community; and they agree that locally owned,
independent businesses contribute positively through paying taxes and providing jobs; and
WHEREAS, advocacy groups and public and private organizations across the country have
endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor
of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim November 30, 2019, as "Small
Business Saturday" and urge all residents of our community to join with us in this
observance as we celebrate the accomplishments of small business owners and their
employees and encourage the continued development of new small businesses on this
Saturday and throughout the year.