In our fast-paced, technology-driven lives, we often look back with nostalgia at bygone times and memories we hold dear. Throughout the country, people are hearkening to a time forgotten and largely lost; they yearn for authenticity—a place much like Port St. Joe, whose charm captivates all who visit. Much of the authenticity and character of our city is fashioned and preserved through our small business community.

Our Historic Downtown District is unique. Businesses are owned and managed by families—those with passion for their work and love for their neighbors. They invest everything they have to succeed and serve their community. We regularly see three generations working together. It’s so American, so small-town, so sincere, and it is what people are seeking.

Charlotte Pierce, a member of the St. Joe Historical Society, said it well.

“More and more visitors are enjoying Historic Downtown Port St. Joe,” Pierce said. “Businesses have changed over the years, but the downtown has always been warm and welcoming to locals and visitors alike.”

There are many reasons to support local business, and while some are emotionally-based, others are simple economics: supporting small business strengthens the community. Gulf County thrives on tourism, and the more successful our local businesses are, the more tourist dollars flow into our community. The more outside dollars, the more financially stable we become.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year. Over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of the new jobs. For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community.

“Old Florida,” is still here. But it needs our patronage to continue, to attract new business, and to further strengthen our community. The windows are festive, the displays have been arranged with love, and the merchandise is poised for the holiday season. Please help us celebrate our downtown on Small Business Saturday, which is this Saturday, Nov. 26. This day will give consumers an opportunity to support local businesses in Gulf County and will help boost the economy in small areas like our own.

“Recent studies show that dollars spent in small businesses invigorate neighborhoods just like Gulf County. It’s exciting to see a movement like Small Business Saturday happening across the country. It shows that small business owners and small communities are valued,” said business owner Lorinda Gingell.

Small Business Saturday is getting recognition and support from major companiess. For example, American Express is injecting $1 million into the economy by distributing "Shop Small" American Express gift cards for use at small businesses on Nov. 26 (30,000 are available through Facebook). On the Small Business Saturday page, there are many marketing tools that can be downloaded and used for the small-business owner for free.

Port St. Joe's Historic Downtown continues to grow and improve. In recent months a group of small business owners have formed the Downtown Merchants Committee, under the guidance of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce, to boost the awareness and revenue of all businesses in Port St. Joe through marketing campaigns and small events in the downtown area.

The Port St. Joe Redevelopment Agency is also lending a helping hand through the ongoing facade grants program ($350,000 to date), maintaining the landscaping, and sponsoring the banner program that garnered a state-wide award for cultural enhancement.

Wewahitchka is taking a step forward with the help of the local Chamber of Commerce and building a relationship of business owners by forming their own Downtown Merchant Committee.

“Looking forward to the future growth of our town,” said Jerry Gaskin, vice president of Vision, about the committee. Gaskin has many generations of his family in Wewahitchka.

“Our small business owners have always come together in the past but with the building of this new committee, it will allow new owners to see the support that they would have not only from the existing owners, but also from the Chamber of Commerce.”

We encourage you to “shop local” every day and support Gulf County small businesses this Saturday. Let’s be part of the movement that is raising the awareness about the important role that small businesses play. The Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and the Port St. Joe Redevelopment Agency wish you and yours a joyous holiday season, and we will see you downtown!

Visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com and http://facebook.com/smallbsuinessaturday for more information on boosting your small business sales through social media on Nov. 27. To become an active member in the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Committee, call 850.227.1223 or visit gulfchamber.org to locate a list of the small businesses in the area.