The Hinesville Downtown Development Authority recently announced its participation in the sixth annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates the small businesses that help support their neighborhoods and is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The observance has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to “shop small” and show their neighborhood pride.

HDDA is a Neighborhood Champion for the day by promoting area retailers as well as the services and goods they offer. On Nov. 28, area residents and visitors are encouraged to shop at downtown Hinesville businesses and enjoy lunch local eateries. Many locations will have Shop Small giveaways, such as tote bags, buttons and pens.

In addition, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce is spearheading an effort to encourage community members to shop local. The “Shop ‘Til You Drop Passport to Savings” lists 20 area businesses.

Patrons who spend at least $10 at five of those businesses will get their passports stamped as they pay for their purchases.

Once passport holders have at least five stamps, they will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket filled with nearly $700 of  merchandise.

The Chamber also  is circulating Local Holiday Gift Guides filled with information, coupons, advertisements and other special deals. For information, call the Chamber at 912-368-4445.

American Express created the Neighborhood Champion program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working with numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country.

Participating organizations include the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Independent Business Alliance, the International Downtown Association, The Latino Coalition, the National Main Street Center, the U.S. Black Chambers Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  

Small-business owners can learn more about Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials at www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site. For more information, call the HDDA at 912-877-4332 or email mainstreet@hinesvilledowntown.com.