The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is looking to stimulate local business by promoting a national effort called Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday takes place all day on Saturday, Nov. 30, and simply asks Selma and Dallas County residents to shop at locally owned businesses.

Chamber executive director Sheryl Smedley said shopping in Selma and Dallas County helps boost tax revenue for local government, which in turns can be dedicated to improving the city’s infrastructure.

“Shopping local benefits the area as a whole,” Smedley said. “You are reinvesting tax dollars into the community.”

Though some would critique Selma’s amount of shopping choices, Smedley said Selma and Dallas County residents might be surprised what they find.

“If you don’t ask, you’re not going to get it,” Smedley said. “I just left a business and the owner was calling another store in North Alabama to get something shipped down. People don’t realize the diversity of what we have. I know the Iron Bowl takes place on the same day, but people can just go shopping before the game.”

Though Saturday is specifically designated for small businesses, Smedley said it’s beneficial to shop locally regardless.