‘Imlay Cash’ a perfect gift to kick-start Chamber program

Gift certificates can be spent at many participating local businesses

 

IMLAY CITY — Boosting the local economy is front and center for the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Just in time for the holiday season, the Chamber has launched a new program aimed at encouraging consumers to “shop local” while promoting member businesses.

Called ‘Imlay Cash,’ the program was floated by Chamber Vice President Rob Mette of Mette Financial, when he was looking for ways to encourage people to shop and spend at member businesses.

“I found a chamber of commerce on the other side of the state that offered a gift certificate program that promoted spending money locally,” Mette says. “In creating Imlay Cash, we used much of their template and put our Imlay twist on it.”

To demonstrate their commitment to the program, the Chamber kicked-off Imlay Cash by giving each member a $10 Imlay Cash gift certificate—investing more than $1,000 in the local economy, Mette adds.

Imlay Cash is offered in multiple demonimations, including $5, $10, $20 and $25. The gift certificates are numbered, and contain a metallic embossed seal. Ordering the gift certificates is easy, Mette says. Residents and/or business owners can visit the Chamber’s website at www.imlaycitychamberofcommerce.org, click on the Imlay Cash page, download the order form and return it with payment.

“More than one gift certificate can be purchased from a single form,” Mette says.

After that, Imlay Cash will be available for pickup or delivery. There is no expiration date, however Imlay Cash cannot be redeemed for cash or credit, and any unused balance will be forfeited.

“This is why we offer different denominations,” Mette says. “We hope that Imlay Cash will get people to start spending locally and encourage people to spend even more.”

Mette says Imlay Cash is perfect for the holidays, and has the added bonus of boosting local businesses.

“You can spend the Imlay Cash on yourself or gift it as a gift,” he says. “With over 20 businesses to spend the Imlay Cash, it makes a great gift.”

A QR code on each Imlay Cash certificate takes shoppers to a current list of participating business. Each business is linked to their website, making it easy for consumers to choose where to shop. Shoppers can also look for ‘Imlay Cash Accepted Here’ window stickers which may be posted at participating businesses.

So far, Imlay Cash can be spent at Barbara L. Yockey Law Office, Bomb Burgers & Breakfast, Castle Creek Golf Club, CJ’s Hunting Shack, Creekside Cleaning Solutions, Glamour Paws, Great Lakes Warriors, Grooming by Erika, Heavenly Sweets, Indigo Lavender Farm, Jalisco’s Deli, Jet’s Pizza, J & J Liquidation, Monty’s Farms, Page One Printing, Parsch’s Automotive, Peaceful Moon Yoga, Stevo’s Bar & Grill, The Print Shop, Tri-City Times, The UPS Store, Woods-N-Water News and the Imlay City Chamber of Commerce.

Participating businesses must first be a member of the Imlay City Chamber, and complete an Imlay Cash form. A folder containing a window sticker, a sample Imlay Cash gift certificate and the participation form is provided to each participating business.

“We will also add them to the list online, which will be displayed when the QR code is scanned,” Mette says. “If a business decides to opt out of the program, we will remove them from the list online within 24 hours of their written notice.”

Mette says the Imlay Cash program is just one way the Chamber is promoting its members.

“The Chamber, for years, has been focused on events and activities,” he says. “There has been a recent shift to promote our local businesses and grow the local economy.

“However, we do not need to sacrifice our events. We can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Mette grins.

For more information on the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce, its programs, members and special events, visit the website or call 810-542-3256.