Willis Urges Residents to Support Local Businesses During “Small Business Week”

NORTHLAKE, Ill. – In an effort to support small businesses and to support local jobs, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, is urging residents to celebrate National Small Business Week by shopping at locally-owned stores.

“Local businesses help support the economy and employ many of our neighbors,” said Willis. “It’s important that we support these local businesses because without them, many of our neighborhoods would struggle to survive.”

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.

“Though we take this time every year to support small businesses, it’s important to frequent these establishments year-round,” said Willis. “When we spend our dollars in our neighborhoods, that money will go back into investing in our local infrastructure and will keep our communities strong.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.