New York State is actually home to more than 2 million small businesses that employ more than half of the private-sector workforce. Small Business Saturday is a day when shoppers across the nation are encouraged to do their holiday shopping at locally owned stores. With Small Business Saturday coming up this Saturday the 25th, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara partnered with local business owners at the Via Port Mall to spread the word: SHOP SMALL, STAY LOCAL.

Assemblyman Santabarbara featured Reen’s Co-op, a unique small business located in the Via Port Mall in Rotterdam. Reen’s Co-Op is home to a number of small businesses that were at one-time local home businesses. This unique shop features special products that are hard to find anywhere else. In all, the shop features products from more than 40 local businesses.

Business founder and owner, Shareen Frazier, led Assemblyman Santabarbara on a tour of the business to encourage residents to shop locally as businesses from all over the region are kicking off their holiday shopping season this Saturday. Town Supervisor Steve Tommasone, and Alan Fanitzi Marketing Director of the ViaPort Mall joined them.

“Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to rediscover the small businesses in your community,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “As we kick off the holiday shopping season, I encourage you to explore the many small businesses in our area that invest in our community and support our local economy.” Assemblyman Santabarbara added, “When we support small businesses, everyone wins. You not only get the quality products you’re looking for and the personal service you deserve, you also support the local jobs that make our community thrive.”

“Shop local at Reen's Co-Op. We offer unique reasonably priced handmade crafts, and vendors who offer women's, children's and men's clothing and accessories,” said Reens Co-Op founder, Shareen Frazier. “Shop with us and you will be guaranteed to find a gift for everyone, and leave knowing it was a shopping experience you won't forget.”

“ViaPort is proud to have such a strong community of small business inside our mall”, said Alan Fanitzi, Public Relations and Marketing Director of ViaPort. “Reens Co-Op adds to this by offering products from multiple local vendors around the area.”

“Our area is home to so many locally owned shops that offer quality customer service and products you simply can’t find anywhere else. This special event and our tour of this business will highlight just that,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.