Today, the Shelby County Reporter is again sponsoring $20 on 20th, a repeat of the wildly successful event first introduced to Shelby County in June.

“The idea is that even during a down economy, people still spend money. If you’re going to spend money, you might as well spend it locally,” said Matthew Allen, director of marketing at Shelby County Newspapers Inc.

“When you buy locally, the dollars you spend support local businesses and supply local jobs. The taxes you pay support local fire departments, local schools and other local services,” he said.

Allen said businesses participating in the $20 on the 20th promotion are offering special discounts and savings opportunities for their customers on Friday.

“We all spend money on things we need, even during a down economy. We are not trying to get people to spend money they don’t have. We are simply asking the people be conscious of spending money locally whenever possible.” Allen said.

Businesses participating with $20 on the 20th are making that process easier by offering appreciable savings and discounts on the goods and services they offer. The timing of today’s $20 on 20th promotion will help Shelby County residents save money on Thanksgiving and Christmas-related purchases, while supporting Shelby County businesses.

Participating businesses include Tire Engineers of Pelham, Native Beach in Helena, Monnette’s in Pelham, Wildflower Wax in Old Town Helena, Bags and Then Some in Hoover and Cedar Creek Nursery of Montevallo.