Shop Small: Columbia Celebrates Small Business Saturday on November 30

Issue #279

22 Nov

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 53 & low of 32

🛍 Shop Small: Columbia Celebrates Small Business Saturday on November 30

🎓 Learn How to Attend Columbia State Tuition-Free with Tennessee Reconnect 

🎄 Holiday Tours Return to the Governor’s Residence

🎥 Saturday: Inside Out 2

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, November 22nd

Saturday, November 23rd

Sunday, November 24th

Monday, November 25th

Shop Small: Columbia Celebrates Small Business Saturday on November 30

The City of Columbia invites residents to participate in Small Business Saturday® on November 30, 2024, and to continue supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season.

Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the community, Mayor Chaz Molder has officially proclaimed November 30th as Small Business Saturday in Columbia. Celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was established in 2010 by American Express to encourage shoppers to support small, independently-owned businesses and help communities thrive. As an alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which focus on big-box retailers and online shopping, Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on the unique charm and economic importance of small businesses. Local businesses are essential to Columbia’s economy, hiring locally, reinvesting earnings back into the community, and offering distinctive goods and services. Shopping locally keeps tax dollars in Columbia, directly funding schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other vital services.

“Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping day—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in our community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “By choosing to shop local, we help keep Columbia’s economy strong and ensure that the unique businesses we love continue to thrive. I encourage everyone to shop small and show their support for the heart of our city.”

The event encourages shoppers to explore Columbia’s downtown area and discover its diverse range of small businesses offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, delicious dining options, and exceptional services. The impact of shopping small is significant. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community, creating an additional 48 cents in local business activity. Small businesses also represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees in the United States, employing nearly half of the private-sector workforce.

City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the economic importance of local businesses: “Local businesses provide jobs, invest in Columbia, and contribute to the community’s identity. Supporting them isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for our city’s growth and sustainability.”

As the holiday season kicks off, Columbia residents are encouraged to make Small Business Saturday a priority by visiting local shops, restaurants, and service providers. By shopping small, residents play a crucial role in ensuring the continued growth, prosperity, and unique charm of Columbia.

“Downtown Columbia offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience,” said Columbia Main Street Director Kelli Johnson. “From boutique stores to specialty shops, our small businesses have something for everyone. Shopping small keeps our downtown lively and strengthens the bonds that make our community special.”

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 30, and join the movement to shop small and support Columbia’s vibrant small business community.

**When thinking about which businesses you’d like to support… Be sure to check out Maury Alliance’s Local First Holiday Guide, featuring local shops and dining!

Learn How to Attend Columbia State Tuition-Free with Tennessee Reconnect

Columbia State Community College will host virtual Tennessee Reconnect information sessions during the month of November.

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.

“Tennessee Reconnect provides a wonderful opportunity for eligible adult learners to attend Columbia State tuition-free,” said Joni Allison, Columbia State coordinator of Adult Student Services. “We offer multiple information session dates each month to allow easy access for prospective students who would like to begin or return to college.”

To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Haven’t earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.

  • Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.

  • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid and be determined as an independent student.

  • Be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.

  • Must attend at least part-time (6 credit hours).

To view the full list of steps to apply, or to sign up for an information session, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Reconnect.

Holiday Tours Return to the Governor’s Residence

The Governor and First Lady invite all Tennesseans to celebrate the holiday season with the annual "Christmas at the Tennessee Residence." The event, held at the Tennessee Residence (882 S. Curtiswood Lane), will feature festive decorations and self-guided tours on December 6-8 and December 13-15. While the tours are free, reservations are required and tend to fill quickly.

Guests can explore the ground floor and conservatory areas, which will showcase holiday decorations and a collection of Tennessee art. Visitors should plan for 60-90 minutes to complete the tour. Docents and volunteers will be on hand to guide and provide insights throughout the experience.

This year’s theme, "Tender Tennessee Christmas," highlights the warmth and joy of the season. Guests with reservations are required to park at Woodmont Hills Church (3710 Franklin Rd.) and take shuttles to the residence. Adults must bring a photo ID along with their reservation confirmation.

Continuing their holiday tradition, the governor and first lady are encouraging visitors to bring items to support five nonprofits across the state: One by One Ministries, Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, YAIPAK Outreach, Family Promise of Roane County, and Morgan Scott Project. A complete list of requested items is available on the event website.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.tn.gov/residence. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the holiday spirit at the Tennessee Residence while supporting meaningful causes.

🎥 Saturday: Inside Out 2

Movies in the Park: Featuring Inside Out 2

Update: Due to cold weather, this event has been moved indoors to the Armory Recreation Center for your comfort!

Join us on Saturday, November 23rd for a cozy movie night featuring Inside Out 2! Bring your family and friends to enjoy this heartwarming film in a warm and welcoming setting. Free popcorn will be served, and admission is completely free for everyone.

Date: Saturday, November 23rd

New Location: Armory Recreation Center

Time: 6:30 PM

Grab your favorite blanket, lawn chair, or anything that makes you cozy, and enjoy the show indoors. We’re excited to bring this family-friendly movie night to you—don’t miss out!

For more information, please contact:

(931) 981-5591

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, November 22nd

J.A.M. Club, Columbia State, 12-1 PM
Rory Feek, Homestead Hall, 7-9 PM
November Blue, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Josh Keas, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Hobo Cane, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
The Reveal, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, November 23rd

Bald Kernal, Amber Fall Winery, 12-4 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel, 7:30 PM
Garrett Boys, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Backlit, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, November 24th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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