Those with the shopping bug have long circled Friday, Nov. 26, as the official start to the Christmas shopping season; otherwise known as “Black Friday.”

But, if local economic and business leaders have their way, local deal hunters will look forward to and long remember Saturday, Nov. 20; the day they got the best deals available and boosted the local economy in the process.

The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with local media outlets and business owners throughout the city have organized “Green Saturday,” a day local merchants will offer their best deals to encourage area shoppers to start their Christmas shopping at home.

“I firmly believe one of the main missions of the Selma – Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is to be an advocate for local businesses, including current and future chamber members,” said Chamber Board President Dennis Palmer. “The importance of shopping our local businesses cannot be underestimated.”

In a notice sent out to chamber members, and non-members alike, the chamber is seeking businesses to participate in the “Green Saturday” special and, in return, take advantage of the combined marketing being provided by The Selma Times-Journal and local radio stations, WDXX and WHBB. Those media outlets have committed to put the full weight of their reach to promote the event to help attract local and regional shoppers.

The date, chosen by the chamber’s retail committee, was selected because it is before the Thanksgiving rush and is a day that neither Alabama nor Auburn are playing.

The chamber is also encouraging those businesses that want to participate, to offer seasonal specials and discounts to kick off the Christmas shopping season.

“When a customer rings a local cash register, that not only helps the business person succeed, but also helps fund important quality of life services like public education, infrastructure, and recreation,” said Palmer. “By spending money locally you’re being a good neighbor and citizen.”

In addition to the media partners, the chamber has already received commitments from Carter Drug, Swift Drug, Truax and Company, Central Alabama Farmers Co-op, Rountree Outdoors and Frames ‘N Things.

Chamber Executive Director Sheryl Smedley asks that businesses that want to participate should contact the chamber no later than noon Monday, Nov. 15, to have the businesses listed in the newspaper and announced on the radio. When doing so, business owners are asked to provide location, Saturday hours and examples of the savings/discounts that will be offered during “Green Saturday.”

“It’s important we work together to support each other and make our community a special place instead of sending our tax dollars to improve a community that we, our family and friends don’t live in,” Palmer said.

To sign up or for more information, contact the chamber at 875-7241 or e-mail sheryl.smedley@selmaalabama.com.