With Thanksgiving right around the corner, some of the biggest shopping days of the year are approaching. People will be lining up at the front of stores late on Thanksgiving night, ready to purchase the latest gadgets and toys for their loved ones. However, if you're looking to make an impact in your community, shop small and support Small Business Saturday! 

As a student attending SUNY New Paltz, I spend a lot of my time in town on the weekends. On Sundays I love to have brunch, head to the farmers market to pick up fresh produce for the week, and stop by some of the boutiques and shops in town. I love shopping in New Paltz, especially when looking to buy a gift for someone because the stores have so much to offer. I've heard of Small Business Saturday before, but I didn't know much about it and I was looking to see how it  benefits local businesses, so I did some research.

Cobeso Inc. is a health insurance agency located in Fishkill, NY, founded by Donna Mills. When asked why she started her business, she said, “I had been working in different corporate organizations over the years in the insurance industry and realized I can do this. Not for someone else but for myself. I wanted to make my own way and run my business the way I wanted it ran — with integrity and pride. For me, being in business is about so much more than just making a living but the relationships you build with the people you work with and the people in the community.  I believe in the importance of educating and servicing the companies we work with like they are my own.” ​