LINCOLN, NEB. (Nov. 21, 2011)—First there was Black Friday, and then there was Cyber Monday. Now there's Small Business Saturday® (SBS), a day to support the small businesses that fuel the economy and invigorate communities.

Nebraska is filled with diverse and innovative small businesses that employ our friends, family members and neighbors. As the holiday shopping season ramps up, there is no better way to support your community than by frequenting small local businesses.

On Nov. 26, Nebraskans—and people all across the country—are being asked to shop at their favorite local stores.

In Nebraska, small businesses are part of what makes the state unique. Our high quality restaurants, museum gift shops and gourmet food stores bring the flavors of Nebraska to life. And, a visit to one of the state's wineries, art studios or antique stores will not only bolster the state's economy, but will provide a one-of-a-kind gift.

So start the season off right with a shopping trip that will fill the state's small merchants with joy.

Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. A total of 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support for SBS last year.

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