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White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett Urging Shoppers To Buy Local On Small Business Saturday

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Neighborhood by neighborhood, small business owners are trying to get their messages out and inspire Chicagoans to buy local this Small Business Saturday.

Hyde Park received a White House push from the senior advisor to President Obama, Valerie Jarrett, who grew up in the neighborhood. She said that for too long, many Americans have bypassed the mom-and-pop stores in favor of the big chains.

"They should get to know that little business, and that's what this is all about," Jarrett said. Try to visit a store that you have driven past day in and day out. Stop, park and walk down the street. Meet the owners and make friends."

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The Southeast Chicago Commission's Sean Harbin said the commission and the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce tried to capitalize on Small Business Saturday by distributing a coupon booklet with deals of up to 25 percent off.

"Small businesses are more intimate and people can make more of a connection with things they get and the people who sell it. I think that's getting more important and people like that more these days," he said.

The neighborhood's alderman, Will Burns said those who don't "shop small" miss a lot.

"We've got everything you want, from restaurants to apparel to soft goods to children's toys. It's all here," he said.

Burns was reluctant to name a favorite local business, but Jarrett admitted to a special weakness for the fudge at Kilwin's, at 5226 S. Harper Ave.

"They will add 10 pounds to you, but that's okay," she said with a laugh.

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