As we close the week of Thanksgiving, I’d like to highlight a few things related to our Real Estate market, but also the people behind the scenes. If you regularly read my columns, you’ll know that in addition to giving Real Estate advice and tips, I try to tell you more about who Realtors truly are. I’ve written about fundraising efforts for two of our prominent food pantries in Mon County. I’ve discussed how Realtors individually are embedded in the community, which is evident through their volunteer work in PTOs, coaching youth sports, serving in churches and serving meals. Just recently, our MBOR Community Service Committee donated food for Thanksgiving to the Salvation Army and WV Coalition to End Homelessness. I have a reason for laying out this background, but bear with me for a moment.
So, as we come out of Thanksgiving week, let me briefly focus on something else. Many welcome that some retailers remained closed on Thanksgiving Day, which enabled employees to be with their families. Of course, that was followed by Black Friday which can be crazy. Some don’t like the crowds, but many love the opportunity to find deals for holiday shopping. Monday of course is Cyber Monday which targets those who are back at work after a few days off, while giving them opportunities for online deals. Hopefully they’re still being productive at work…but I digress!
Then, let’s not forget that Saturday, was Small Business Saturday. This is a day which was established in 2010 to help mom & pop businesses after the economic downturn following the Real Estate bust. It gained traction quickly and is now a well-established annual event. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, there are 33.2 million small businesses in the US, and that accounts for roughly 40% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. Small businesses can’t offer everything big box retailers do, but they do offer so much to our community.
When Little League teams, school bands, church groups or scouts need sponsorships, who do they turn to? In most cases, they turn to ‘LOCAL’ business owners who are embedded in our community. Florists, auto mechanics, pawn shops owners and yes, even Realtors are among those small business owners. Now, some might say that some Real Estate brokerages are national. Yes, that’s true, but the Realtors themselves are independent contractors even though they may have an affiliation with a larger brand.
Realtors invest in their businesses and take risks. They do not get paid if deals don’t close and yet, they are so involved in our community in numerous ways. Realtors and other small business owners are your neighbors. So, whether it’s Small Business Saturday or any other day of the year, I’d like to encourage you to support them or any other small business owner who has that entrepreneurial spirit. The big box stores and chain establishments are important, but please support local when possible. Small businesses are said to the backbone of the American economy, and they keep our local economy, vibrant.