March 29, 2013 – National Mom & Pop Business Owners' Day

Itncan be a strange feeling to leave my familiar hometown, with thenlocal shopping center featuring stores such as Target and Michaelsnand Walgreens, and restaurants such as Mimi’s Cafe and Starbucks andnCarl’s Junior….only to find the same chain stores (Target –nMichaels – Walgreens – Mimi’s – Starbucks – Carl’s – Target – Michaels – Walgreens – Mimi’s – Starbucks – Carl’s) repeatednover and over and over and over—and over again—all across thencountry! 
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nChain stores and restaurants are not entirely bad—I remember being glad to pop into anStaples in another state, because I was sure they’d have what Inneeded (and I was right), and familiarity can bring comfort. But it’snnot entirely good, either.
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nIt’snnice to go into a store and a restaurant NOT knowing exactly whatnyou’re going to see. n

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nTodaynis the day to find entrepreneurs (people who open and operate theirnown businesses) who are married couples running a shop, restaurant,nor other business and, if you can, support that business. Eat at annon-chain restaurant, Find an independent bookstore. Can you find anmom-and-pop candy store, bakery, or produce mart? n

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• Herenare 10 steps to help kids learn the skills needed by entrepreneurs. 

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• Herenis another article about kids and entrepreneurship. Notice the listnof kid-friendly start-ups at the bottom of the article.  

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nMemorialnDay in Madagascar

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nAnniversarynof the day the Niagara Falls stopped falling
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