Shop Local on Saturday

Does your organization, church, sports team or club turn to a local business when you are planning a fundraiser?

The answer would be yes for many in the Severna Park area who have found the business community supportive by hosting fundraisers, offering discounts and purchasing sponsorships.

This weekend, residents will have a chance to thank them as the SHOP LOCAL program sponsored by the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce launches on Saturday with 42 stores and businesses participating.

"Local businesses support our local schools, churches and sports teams and they need our support in return," said Linda Zahn, CEO of the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce.

"Residents need to explore the local business community and see what it has to offer, and give our support in return. Local businesses are the fabric of our community and do give back," she said.

There's also an added incentive for shoppers who can register for quarterly drawings at participating SHOP LOCAL businesses for a chance at winning prizes. The first drawing will be following Mother's Day weekend and the prize is $500 in cash and $500 in gift cards to be used at participating SHOP LOCAL businesses.

The lucky winner of the $1,000 prize package will also select a charity from the chamber's list to benefit with a 5 percent donation from the participating SHOP LOCAL businesses.

Register at any participating business where you will see a ballot box and a slip to fill out. This can be done numerous times as you shop around the park, increasing your chances at winning while supporting your local businesses.

Zahn said SHOP LOCAL will be an ongoing program slated for certain times of the year with the next one in a few months.

Visit www.severnaparkchamber.com for the complete list of participating SHOP LOCAL stores and businesses and a registration form.

For more details on the program, call the chamber at 410-647-3900.