Local shopping incentive program to begin next month
Share
TweetA program aimed at incentivizing local shopping begins Oct. 1 when the first 200 people who spend $300 on discretionary spending in town will be eligible for a $100 gift certificate to a business of their choice.
The Haines Chamber of Commerce and Haines Economic Development Corporation proposed the program at a commerce committee meeting last week and the assembly later approved $22,000 in CARES Act funding for the program.
Businesses are being asked to opt in by filling out an application at haineschamber.org/by-haines by Sept. 25 at 5 p.m.
“The program will take place through the month of October,” HEDC executive director David Simmons said. “It should result in eighty thousand dollars in discretionary spending at local businesses.”
Participants must submit their receipts at the chamber office or by email at an address that will be forthcoming. Spending on groceries, utilities, gas or medical purchases does not count toward the program. Individuals may choose to receive two $50 vouchers for two separate businesses. Businesses will be reimbursed for the total value of the vouchers issued through the program on Nov. 2, 2020.
The vouchers must be redeemed by Dec. 31, 2020. Businesses can exchange the vouchers at their discretion.
Haines Chamber of Commerce director Tracey Harmon said the program will bea good way to reinvigorate the buy local campaign the two economic organizations launched in August of 2018.
“I thought it was a really good fit for ByHaines which has been kind of silent,” Harmon said. “It’s been a good way to launch the campaign.”
