Efforts are underway in Chautauqua County and Gloucester to support local businesses and enhance the local economy.
In Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to shop small and support locally owned businesses throughout the year. In addition to Small Business Saturday, the Chamber is running a contest where consumers can enter a drawing for a $150 ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card by checking in on Facebook or Instagram and tagging the Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to promote small local businesses and attract more customers. The Chamber is also organizing a Holiday Window Decorating Contest and a Holiday Open House to raise awareness for local businesses. Furthermore, the Chamber will present the Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award to Bishop Leecroft Clarke, who has played a key role in the I.D.E.A. Coalition's efforts to create an inclusive and thriving community. The keynote speaker for the Chamber's Annual Meeting will be New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who oversees the fiscal health of municipalities and local economies [8282ba36].
December is the busiest month for ShopLocalCHQ gift card sales, with over $50,000 in gift cards used in Chautauqua County in 2022. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce runs the program to support local businesses and requires participating merchants to be Chamber members. The Chamber received a grant to improve its Shop Small efforts, including the gift card program. The gift cards can be purchased in any amount from $5 to $500 and can be redeemed at over 170 local participating merchants. The Chamber is staffing its offices in Jamestown and Dunkirk to make it easier to purchase the gift cards. The Chamber also incentivized consumers to support small businesses by offering a prize drawing. Shopping at small locally owned businesses keeps more money in the local community compared to purchases at chain stores. The Chamber's Annual Meeting will feature New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli as the keynote speaker and will present the Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award to Bishop Leecroft Clarke. The meeting will also include the election of Chamber Board members and officers. The Annual Meeting will be held at Moon Brook Country Club on December 8.
Meanwhile, in Gloucester, Quayside Wealth Management is giving its staff £50 gift cards to spend at local businesses as a Christmas gift. The gift cards take advantage of the Government's trivial benefits scheme, which allows companies to give tax-free gifts to employees. The firm chose to use the Gloucester Gift Card to support local businesses and encourage local shopping. The physical and digital versions of the gift cards are available. The initiative aims to keep money local, boost the circular economy, and make Gloucester more vibrant and successful. If every company in Gloucester used the Gloucester Gift Card for rewards, it would have a significant impact on the local economy. The gift card is suitable for all ages and interests and offers employees the freedom to spend it on retail, hospitality, wellness, and services businesses in the city [8282ba36].
By supporting local businesses and participating in community events, residents in Chautauqua County and Gloucester can contribute to the economic opportunities and overall well-being of their respective communities. Additionally, efforts to clear hazards in the waterway system in Chautauqua County will create more recreational opportunities and connect the county's waterways with its greenways, further enhancing the region's natural beauty and appeal.