Shop Small this Thanksgiving

Can you believe it's already Thanksgiving? Hopefully, you have selected your bird, stocked up on sweet potatoes, and have a pumpkin pie cooling. Thanksgiving can easily become another holiday full of to-do lists, but it's important that we also take the time to reflect and be thankful for our blessings over the past year.

For me, it's the birth of my first grandchild, a plentiful harvest for North Missouri, and the privilege of representing you in Congress. Giving back to our community is something that I have dedicated my life to and I ask that you join me this holiday season in doing so by showing our collective support for small businesses throughout Missouri.

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a day to support local businesses that are at the heart of our communities.

Many local businesses in North Missouri will hold sales and open houses to encourage you to spend locally.

America's small businesses are the engines of job creation and economic growth. There are more than 500,000 small businesses in Missouri- which make up more than 99 percent of all businesses in the state. For every $100 you spend at a locally-owned small business store, an estimated $68 returns to Missouri through local taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.

As the former Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, I've seen the impact that this day has on our small business owners across the country. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to get their holiday shopping accomplished while supporting small businesses that will help bolster the economy.

I hope you will take the time to shop local this Saturday, and I wish you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.