The Detroit Regional Chamber aims to generate $10 million in local economic activity leveraging its community currency program to promote, connect and engage with local merchants.
“Gift Detroit is an important new tool for the Chamber,” said Roy Lamphier, Vice President of Business Solutions for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “It has enabled us to change the types of conversations we’re having with local merchants and the area employers who want to support them.
“With Conpoto’s gifting platform, we have built a local gift card program that efficiently connects the Chamber’s large employer base with the many interesting and unique local Detroit merchants. By making one gift certificate redeemable at a whole network of different types of local merchants, we have truly made it easy to gift Detroit.
Gift Detroit was launched earlier this summer to promote local spending. Gift Detroit is managed by the Detroit Regional Chamber and powered by Conpoto.
Lamphier aims for Gift Detroit to generate $1 million in direct sales annually, which promises to translate into roughly $10 million for local merchants when you take into account consumers’ incremental spend above and beyond the face value of the certificates. Businesses can use Gift Detroit to incent, reward and recognize employees just like they would with any other gift card, or use it for customer incentives and appreciation.
“It may take some time to reach our goal, but we’re already seeing a lot of interest from longtime Detroit merchants and small business,” Lamphier said. “They view Gift Detroit as a tangible way in which the Chamber is helping connect area employers and their employees with the exciting revitalization that is occurring in Detroit’s retail, food an entertainment scene. We’re helping small business not just through policy, but by producing paying customers. On a personal level, as a native Detroiter, I frequently get asked what’s new and cool in Detroit. Now I have a convenient way to share that experience with my friends and family — it’s been pretty fun.”
Gift Detroit has also given the Detroit Regional Chamber new opportunities to engage the greater community. “Chambers of commerce everywhere must continually work to be relevant to the needs of their business community. This is one way we can provide direct support,” Lamphier said. “Our retail and restaurant members need customers more than they need networking and events, so this has helped build relationships in this space. What we’re doing is more than just promoting “buy local.” We’re creating connections in a community that chambers are uniquely positioned to deliver.”
Since its initial launch, more than 60 merchants have signed on to participate in the Gift Detroit program and several major Detroit area employers have committed to bulk purchases of certificates to jump start the program.
“Throughout the development and launch of this program, Conpoto has been a terrific partner, both from their willingness to help and their innovation.” says Lamphier. “If you have a good idea, Conpoto knows how to make it work and put it into practice. I’m thankful for what they have done to make this opportunity a reality.”
