DACC looks to spur local sales with Chamber Cash
IRON MOUNTAIN — As the region begins to gear up again after the COVID-19 shutdown, the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce is promoting buying local by selling the public certificates that offer discounts at its membership businesses.
“Chamber Cash” can be purchased for $20 but redeemed for $25 at businesses that belong to the chamber, said Suzanne Larson, chamber executive director.
Chamber sponsor First Bank will cover the $5 difference on 300 of the certificates, while co-sponsor First National Bank & Trust will do the same for 200 certificates, Larson said.
That means the chamber can offer 500 of the discount certificates for sale at $20 each without any cost to the organization, Larson said.
“It’s a win-win,” she said.
The program aims to promote spending at chamber members, be it retail or restaurants, gas or wine at Aurora Liquors BP or service providers such as Sikora Sheet Metal Inc. for furnace repairs, Larson said.
The chamber offer is limited to $100 per household. But given what the sponsors have provided, the effect to the local economy could be “huge,” Larson said.
“We’re not only looking for ways to help the public … this is a way to show added value for people who join the chamber,” Larson said, adding, “it’s a really, really great thing.”
Chamber Cash can be purchased with check or cash only by going to the chamber office’s entrance at 600 S. Stephenson Ave.
“Now’s the time. We’ve got sponsors set up with this, we have the cash printed and we are ready to roll,” Larson said.
The chamber invites other sponsors that might want to compensate for the $5 discount on the certificates “to jump on board,” Larson said.