By KATIE COLE / Lifestyles Editor

Shelby County is home to nearly 200,000 residents.

If each of those people spent $20 within the county in one day, about $3.9 million would be pumped into the local economy.

The Shelby County Reporter has partnered with local businesses to encourage residents to do just that.

The $20 on the 20th promotion will be held Saturday, Aug. 20. Local businesses will hold special promotions including 20 percent off items or $20 deals on Aug. 20.

Local business leaders and city officials said they hope the promotion will encourage residents to shop in the county before they look elsewhere.

“We strongly encourage people keeping it local, shopping local and keeping that tax base here in the county,” said Jennifer Trammell, Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Sales tax from local purchases is used to support police, fire, schools and road construction.

“It has never been more important to spend dollars locally,” Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe said. “The money they spend here goes to support the services that the city offers in the way of public safety, public health and also in the way of recreation.”

See the Aug. 17 edition of The Shelby County Reporter for $20 on the 20th deals that will be available this weekend.