Sen. Tom Carper and local officials and members of the U.S. Small Business Administration visited small businesses in Lewes Nov. 20. The group visited Notting Hill Coffee Roastery, Twila Farrell, Flowers by Mayumi, Kids’ Ketch, PUZZLES and Lewes Gourmet, and R&L Liquors.
According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, last year 108 million shoppers spent $12.9 billion on Small Business Saturday.
It was noted 68 percent of every dollar a locally owned, small business earns stays in the community. Only 43 percent of every dollar spent at a large chain retailer stays in the community and zero percent of dollars spent online stays in the community, unless buying from a local business.
Sen. Tom Carper stopped in to see Twila Farrell Clothing and Accessories and spent some time talking to co-owner Sandy Farrell.
Sen. Tom Carper stopped at Flowers by Mayumi and chatted with owner Mayumi Willamson. John Fleming, SBA Delaware district manager, joined the conversation.
Sen. Tom Carper is shown presenting a floor mat to Kids’ Ketch owner Teresa Ford. The SBA had floor mats and signs for every business they visited.
Sen. Tom Carper stopped by PUZZLES and Lewes Gourmet and had fun talking with owners Andrea Spuck and Tim Southerst. Shown inside the shop are (l-r) Carper, Lewes Chamber Executive Director Betsy Reamer, Southerst and Spuck.
Sen. Carper made his last stop at R&L Liquors. After much talking with the staff, they gathered for a group photo. Shown are (l-r) Chris Banz, Carper, Tom Greenwood and Bob Vrelinsky.
Taking a moment to pose in front of the SBA car are (l-r) SBA Deputy Director Delaware District John Banks, Small Business Development Georgetown Center Director David Root, Carper, and SBA Delaware District Director John Fleming.
