To help keep dollars earned in Olds spent in Olds, the Olds and District Chamber of Commerce has introduced a new shop local program.
Through the Member to Member (M2M) Shop Local ñ Shop Olds Chamber Program, which was launched March 1, participating businesses belonging to the chamber will offer special promotions or discounts for the employees of local businesses.
The chamber has distributed roughly 3,000 M2M shopping cards to its member businesses and their employees, giving them access to the benefits of the program.
So far, six businesses have signed up for the program, with three more joining the program on April 1.
An example of a discount offered through the program is a promotion at Granny Jacks restaurant where members receive a 10 per cent discount on the special of the day every Monday.
Or, as of April 1, Mountain View Dodge will give a five per cent discount to members on all parts and service as well as $500 towards any new or used vehicle purchase.
ìIt's a way for chamber members to give a little benefit to their other respective members,î said chamber president Doug Rieberger, adding other communities have launched similar programs and have seen positive results.
ìAs well as it's a good way for businesses to offer their services to other businesses in town. It's also a networking benefit for them as well.
ìIf the dollars are leaving town then that only benefits, of course, the jurisdictions that they're going to.î
The cost for businesses to participate in the program is $60 plus GST per year and Rieberger said other businesses have expressed interest in signing up.
ìI see it getting bigger as the program starts getting out there.î
Businesses must commit to participate for at least one year and can choose to offer different promotions each quarter or keep the same promotion throughout the year.
Offered discounts are outlined on the chamber's website at www.oldsalberta.com and participating businesses will receive window decals and point-of-sale signage indicating their participation.
Rieberger said the more than 200 businesses who are members of the local chamber offer all the goods and services people need.
So there's no reason, he added, not to shop in town to help boost Olds' economic development efforts.
ìWe're not going to grow more businesses unless we support the local businesses.î
For more information about the program, call the chamber office at 403-556-7070.
