While the Occupy Denver group staked out at Civic Center is busy rebelling against what it perceives as a “wrecked economy,” the National Federation of Independent Business in Colorado is using the “occupy” jargon for its own purposesto promote independent operators this week during Small Business Saturday.
“I just want people to occupy a small business on Saturday long enough to make a purchase so others may occupy that small business,” said Tony Gagliardi, the Colorado director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Small Business Saturday — falling on the day after Black Friday, when big-box national retailers typically offer deep discounts — encourages purchasing at locally owned and independent stores during the holiday season.
“There is only one way out of this recession, and that’s when small businesses — not big corporations — start ringing up sales,” Gagliardi said.
In the latest Small Business Profiles for States and Territories, the U.S. Small Business Administration pegs small-business employers as constituting “98 percent of all of Colorado’s employers, providing 50 percent of all private- sector jobs.”
But according to a recent NFIB Research Foundation report, the two greatest impediments to small-business growth are uncertainty and weak sales.
“When you shop at a small business, you’re supporting your local economy and your local job base,” said Dan Danner, president and CEO of NFIB, based in Washington.
Laurels for liquor man.
Ron Vaughn, co-owner of Argonaut Wine & Liquor on East Colfax Avenue and big-time charity supporter, will be honored by Easter Seals Colorado on Dec. 9 during the annual Season of Lights Gala at Palazzo Verdi in the Tech Center.
The sold-out evening’s events will include a silent and live auction and a performance by the CU Buffoons a cappella group. American Furniture Warehouse chief and pitchman Jake Jabs will emcee. More than 200 local business types are expected to attend.
Food fighter.
Denver’s Brian Gans mann, the self-described Gluten Gladiator, will sign his debut book, “Defeat Wheat,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Marczyk’s on East Colfax Avenue and Fairfax Street.
Gansmann, who’s spent a career in the food business, wrote the book for people with celiac disease, who cannot tolerate wheat.
“Three years ago, it was me against gluten, and guess who won,” Gansmann said.
Pop in.
A Doc Popcorn kiosk has popped up on the 16th Street Mall next to the Clock Tower building in time for holiday shoppers.
The 16th Street Mall franchise, owned by entrepreneurs Andre Cordova and his parents, Ray and Janet Cordova, is the eighth outlet to open in the metro area.
Doc Popcorn, founded in Boulder, pops fresh, all-natural flavored corn.
Eavesdropping on two women.
“What makes Black Friday black?”
“Because most of the stores open in the dark.”
Penny Parker’s column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.
