BY ARIN SHATTO, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AMERICORPS VISTA, THE HUB
New Martinsville is in the heart of Wetzel County, and their local Chamber of Commerce has partnered to create a unique strategy, called Chamber Cash, that encourages community members to support local businesses and foster a more connected business community.
For their initiative, Chamber Cash works similarly to a gift certificate, holding a value of $25 that can be used at 27 participating local businesses in the area to date. Holders of the certificate can then choose to re-sell Chamber Cash to customers through raffles or prizes, spend it at another local business, or turn it into the Chamber and receive $23.75 in cash. The remaining $1.75 is used to cover program fees so that the initiative can continue.
The Wetzel County Chamber Marketing Director and Administrative Aid Brian Rogers said that this endeavor has gained significant momentum in recent months. He attributes this to building community awareness about the Chamber Cash program, getting buy-in from local merchants, and engaging local restaurants.
The day following Thanksgiving, there will be a $300 giveaway of Wetzel County Chamber Cash for community members to engage in the annual Black Friday excitement! Participants who return six receipts back to the Chamber will be entered into a drawing to receive an additional $150 in Chamber Cash.
It is clear that New Martinsville and Wetzel County are making strides to cultivate a stronger community through local business support and investment.
They have outlined business support and collaboration as a goal they are focusing on through their participation in the Blueprint Communities program, hosted by The Hub and Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
If this story has inspired you and you’d like to learn more, or adapt this initiative to work in your community, click here to find out more.
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