HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-21 ProclamationCity of Iowa City
Proclamation
Whereas, the United States Small Business Administration reports there currently are 28.8 million
small businesses in the United States, which constitutes 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees in
the United States; and
Whereas, small businesses employ 48 percent of the employees in the private sector in the
United States and are responsible for 63 percent of net new jobs created over the past 20 years;
and
Whereas, on average, 33 percent of consumers' holiday shopping will be done at small,
independently -owned retailers and restaurants and 76 percent of all consumers plan to go to one
or more small businesses as part of their holiday shopping; and
Whereas, 91 percent of all consumers believe that supporting small, independently -owned
restaurants and bars is important; and
Whereas, the City of Iowa City supports our local businesses because they create jobs, boost
our local economy, and vitalize our neighborhoods; and
Whereas, advocacy groups as well as public and private organizations across the country have
endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday; and
Whereas, in appreciation of Small Business Saturday, the City of Iowa City will be offering
free parking in the ramps and on street in addition to free transit on this day;
Now, Therefore, I, James A. Throgmorton, Mayor of Iowa City, Iowa do hereby proclaim,
November 25, 2017, as:
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
and urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small
businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
yor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 21 st day of November 201'