For the fifth consecutive year, association and event marketing agency mdg participated in SmallBusiness Saturday by reimbursing its employees a portion of what they spent at local shops related to industries served by agency clients.

“As an independently owned agency, we feel a deep connection to small businesses and understand the difference they make in their communities,” says Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, mdg president. “Giving back is an important part of the mdg culture, and Small BusinessSaturday is an excellent way to simultaneously give a grateful nod to our employees, our communities, and the industries served by our clients.”

According to American Express, it’s estimated that in 2018 consumers spent an all-time high of $17.8 billion on Small Business Saturday, with two-thirds of every dollar spent staying in the local community. The United States Senate officially recognized the day in 2011, unanimously passing a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday.

Continuing its philanthropic efforts, mdg also participates in Meals on Wheels and Exhibitions Day, and makes regular donations to various charities throughout the year. This past September, mdg went “Casual for a Cause” and raised nearly $2,ooo to lend a helping hand to the family of one of its employees whose family lost everything in during Hurricane Florence. To kick-start 2019, mdg will be performing Random Acts of Kindness throughout January as a way of honoring the 26 innocent lives lost on December 14, 2012, during the Sandy Hook shootings in Newtown, Connecticut.

“We have such a kind-hearted, ready-to-take-action group of employees who have a strong compassion for others,” says Vincent Polito, mdg managing director. “It is so amazing to see everyone come together in support of these great causes.”