State Sen. Mike Stack and state Rep. Mark Cohen are introducing resolutions in support of National Small Business Weekend, which encourages consumers to shop locally and purchase American-made products.
“Buying from small businesses creates local jobs and builds communities,” Cohen said.
Stack circulated a memo to fellow senators noting that small businesses employ 60 million Americans.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Pennsylvania economy,” he said.
Cohen and others braved a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3 to attend a news conference at Liberty Bell Diner, 8445 Frankford Ave. in Holmesburg.
A similar event was held later in the day at the Aramingo Diner in Port Richmond.
The events were organized by Michael Blichasz, who leads the local National Small Business Weekend effort. He urges shoppers to patronize small businesses on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month.
Blichasz hosts a radio show every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon on 860 AM. The show can also be heard live and on tape at americanworkersradio.com
Among those attending the event at Liberty Bell Diner were Mia Hylan, executive director of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation, and Lisa Greco, owner of BellaLisa Hair Studio and treasurer of the Mayfair Business Association.
For information, visit nationalsmallbusinessweekend.com ••
