Geneva promotes downtown shopping on Small Business Saturday

GENEVA – To encourage people to patronize independent stores and restaurants in Geneva, Mayor Kevin Burns issued a proclamation in proclaiming Nov. 25 as Small Business Saturday, officials announced in a news release.

The city is also listing Shop Small Geneva Deals of the Day on its website, www.geneva.il.us/shopsmall, and on social media to highlight businesses' specials, the release stated.

These include Bare Moxie, 115 W. State St.; Coffee Drop Shop and The Gathering, 227 S. Third St.; Halsa Aromatherapy Shop and Spa, 202 W. State St.; The Little Traveler, 404 S. Third St.; The Olive Mill, 315 James St.; Peaceful Parlour, 212 S. Third St.; Stringworks, 327 Franklin St.; Veiled in Elegance, 21 S. Third St.

Other businesses that want their promotions to be included should send an email to ctracy@geneva.il.us, according to the website.

The proclamation notes that small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees in the U.S. and are responsible for 63 percent of net new jobs created over the past 20 years.

Local merchants are promoting their Small Business Saturday deals on social media through the hashtag #shopsmallgeneva, the release stated.

Other business deals the city is promoting are for Doughocracy, FreshGround Roasting, Geneva Running Outfitters, Galena Garlic Company and Green Envee, which are collaborating on a “Passport to Shopping” program that features discounts at each location and a chance to win a drawing, the release stated.

Doing holiday shopping in Geneva on Nov. 25 and beyond not only supports the city's retailers, but also generates sales tax revenue for the city, the release stated.

Revenue helps fund critical police, fire and public works services; needed road repairs and infrastructure upgrades; and other key programs, the release stated.