By Rebekah Martin
Associate Editor

Mayor Gary Fuller read a proclamation at last Tuesday’s meeting naming Nov. 26 as ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Opelika.
Opelika Chamber of Commerce president Barbara Patton, Opelika Chamber of Commerce chairman Bill Trant, Opelika Main Street director Pam Powers-Smith, and small-business owner Taylor Sumrall were present to receive the mayor’s proclamation.
Fuller said the city of Opelika celebrates small-businesses and the contributions they make to local economy and community.
According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are currently 28.8 million small businesses in the U.S. These businesses represent more than 99.7 percent of all businesses nationwide, and are responsible for 63 percent of net new jobs created over the past 20 years.
The proclamation read that small business owners, who often work long hours, juggling family and career responsibilities and serving as community volunteers, are integral to the country’s prosperity and to the vibrancy of their communities.
“I want to thank all of you for what you’re doing for small businesses. They’re just as important to Opelika as they are across the country,” Fuller said.
In other news, the council:
-passed a resolution approving an agreement between the city and American Behavioral Benefits Managers, Inc. According to the resolution, American Behavioral develops and administers employee assistance programs and manages mental health and substance abuse treatment services for self-insured employers, employees and dependents. This is an expansion of the medical benefits the city currently offers its employees. In other action, the council:
-approved an employment contract with Robert L. Holley with the Opelika Police Department.
-approved an appropriation contract with the OIDA.
– renewed a lease agreement with OHA – Senior Center.
-reappointed Bob Shuman as the city clerk/treasurer.