Does your chamber give rewards for referring a business for membership? If so, how do you “pay” them? Do you give them a discount on renewal? Maybe you send over a gift basket. Whatever you do, you want the thank you gift to do two things — show your appreciation Read more…
Hosting a contest is always a great way to get your community excited about shopping local and rewarding them for their efforts. But most of these contests start to look the same after a while: Shop Local Submit your Receipts Be Eligible for a Drawing Shop Local Raleigh created a Read more…
Chambers are well known in their communities, which is a plus for any sort of event or campaign they take on, but your shop local program still needs marketing attention. While you’re out there publicizing it on your website and social media outlets, don’t forget to ask the local media Read more…
Here are a couple of smart ideas on how Easter activities can supercharge a shop local campaign and bring more people to your downtown area. Celebrate Businesses on the Bunny Trail First, one from across the pond. Neston (UK) has created an Easter egg hunt all ages can enjoy. Participants pick Read more…
If you have a chamber gift certificate, or chamber bucks program, you’ve rolled out in the hopes of encouraging people to spend more locally, you know what a help they can be to local businesses. They make great prizes and giveaways, as well as employee recognition awards and awards for chamber Read more…
If your chamber is looking for another exciting event to add to your shop local menu, a cash mob may be just the thing. Cash mobs bring a group of people to a merchant on a specific, planned day. Each member of the cash mob agrees to purchase an item Read more…
For many of us this winter has been a trying one. Some areas had record snowfall while others broke the record for coldest or most consecutive days below 0 degrees. Local stores are facing the worst of it because while some of us were snuggled next to the fire, they Read more…
Enticing people to buy local is a big part of what chambers do but if you’re trying to decide whether to institute a Shop Local card campaign and a chamber currency program, you’re asking the wrong question. It’s not an either/or. A Shop Local card program allows member businesses Read more…
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Nevenova Communities are comprised of stories, stories of businesses and the people behind them, stories of how their product or service came to be. The stories are inspiring, educational and need to be shared. Sharing your business community’s stories is a way to add Read more…
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Artisticco Shop local campaigns are a great push for your local economy but so often they get relegated to one day a year. Creating challenges throughout the year can breathe life into your shop local efforts. Here are some suggestions: Suggestions for Shop Local Read more…
