Melendez Touts 'Small Business Saturday' Benefits, Shops Locally

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez:

California State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) spent Small Business Saturday supporting local businesses, meeting business owners and making some purchases.

“While I’m in Sacramento I fight for a fair playing field for our small businesses,” said Melendez, who represents the 67th Assembly District. “With Christmas shopping now in full gear, I can fight for them while at home by shopping locally.”

Melendez, who owned a small business before being elected to the Assembly, believes Small Business Saturday is a great way to concentrate the purchase power of local residents within the community.

“The best way for our cities to succeed is through the success of our businesses, especially our small ones,” said Melendez. “Two-thirds of the jobs created are by small businesses. Shopping local means we keep much needed tax dollars right here in our community.”

The last decade has been very tough in this district with historically high unemployment and a difficult housing market, yet Melendez believes we’re doing much better.

“While serving on the Lake Elsinore city council we had some very difficult decisions to make because of the economy,” she said. “But when we passed the business tax holiday 6 years ago, we saw a slow change. Our business community is doing well, new shops and restaurants are opening and the Chambers of Commerce in our region are working hard to attract more businesses. It’s a win-win for everyone when we shop local.”

Small Business Saturday is traditionally the day after Black Friday.