GOVERNOR O'MALLEY JOINS AMERICAN EXPRESS TO ENCOURAGE MARYLANDERS TO "BUY LOCAL" AND SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 26, 2010) –Governor Martin O’Malley today acknowledged American Express and its partners for launching “Small Business Saturday” to encourage consumers to shop locally. The national promotion will be held Saturday, November 27, to support local merchants in communities across the country. American Express is offering a $25 credit to their card holders who register and use their cards on Small Business Saturday, free Facebook advertising to participating business owners, and free promotional materials for small-business owners.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they’ve been especially hard hit during this recession,” said Governor O’Malley, “This initiative supports Maryland’s main street entrepreneurs and promotes each community’s unique shops and services. I applaud this innovative campaign and encourage Marylanders looking for that special holiday gift to consider stopping and shopping at a local business.”

The 3/50 Project, Facebook, The National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center, The National Association of Women Business Owners, SCORE, and Yelp are among the organizations that are partnering with American Express in Small Business Saturday. For additional information, visit Small Business Saturday.