In January 2021, Chamber of Commerce Director LeAnn Schaefer commented on an initiative, to encourage local spending at Chamber-member businesses in the area. “Difficult circumstances often bring out the very best in collective efforts. The program launched Monday, January 4, and continues to be updated as businesses submit information. Interested businesses can do this by contacting [me] at the Chamber, 815-772-3757.”
She continued, “Morrison’s Chamber Bucks program was created to actively respond to the significant impact small businesses are experiencing, during this unprecedented time. There is a lot of uncertainty for small business owners right now. We know this is scary time. We hope this effort brings awareness to that fact and make things just a little bit better for our business community.
“The Chamber website (www.morrisonchamber.com) provides a place to see how people can support Morrison businesses, while practicing social distancing via Morrison Chamber Gift Check purchases.
Daily and weekly cash flow for small businesses is a big part of keeping the doors open. Some are being forced to close those doors, but all are being impacted. Gift Checks can play a huge role in maintaining cash flow and helping our small business community get through,” Schaefer concluded.
How do Chamber Bucks work? Chamber Bucks are dollar-for-dollar exchange, gift certificates that work exactly like cash. Chamber Bucks can be spent only at Chamber-member businesses that sign up for this program. An annual fee to join is $20. Schaefer explained, “This small fee covers the cost of the checks [and] office fees….[It] includes their name on the website, in publications, and on the Participating Business listing that goes out with each order of Chamber Bucks.”
The Chamber’s Gift Check Program (or Chamber Bucks) is to support the Morrison area first. Anyone may purchase Gift Checks.
To purchase Chamber Bucks, contact LeAnn at the Chamber by email (morrisonchamber@morrisonil.org) or phone 815-772-3757. Chamber Bucks are also available at Community State Bank, 220 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL. Checks are void after 90 days.
What are the program specifics?
- Gift Checks are allowed in any denomination in $5 multiples.
- Use the Gift Check just like cash at any of the participating businesses.
- Simply fill in the “pay to the order of” with the participating business name.
- The policy for partial redemption is decided by the merchant. If the customer spends less than the Gift Check value, the merchant may offer cash back, store credit, or store gift certificate for the balance.
A Chamber Gift Check Participation List will be distributed with each Gift Check purchase. The list is subject to change; KAST Laser Creations has recently joined and will be added to the list. See the Morrison Chamber website for a full listing of participating businesses.
What has been the business or public response?
“I do know one local company in particular, thinks this is a great program! They have purchased several $10 Chamber Bucks and gives them to their employees as birthday gifts. This way, they can enjoy lunch here in Morrison on their birthday.
“We have not had any issues or complaints with the program. It is fairly new, so I know there are lots of questions. We hope even more businesses will jump on board and the community will begin to purchase Chamber Bucks….[This will] help ensure our dollars are being spent in Morrison, helping our community grow and supporting our local businesses,” stated the Chamber of Commerce Director.