MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - American Express is participating in the shopping frenzy that takes place in the days following Thanksgiving.

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the credit card company created "Small Business Saturday" to celebrate and support small businesses across the country in 2010. Only stores that accept American Express are able to participate.

"We accept American Express," said Sherry Fisher, owner of Bottoms Up in Okemos, "we had a few more sales when it happened last year. Some customers just come in with their cards to gain some credit."

Fisher said she thinks events like these can help local economy.

"I think its important because it helps the community grow," she said. "We hire young gals all of the time and they learn skills here that help them get jobs in the future but we wouldn't be able to do it without our customers and support from our community.

American Express has a list of participating stores on its website. Most participating businesses in the area are restaurants.