Chamber Bucks are back

The New London Area Chamber of Commerce is putting action behind the importance of supporting the businesses that support our communities. Maintaining a strong local economy keeps our community members employed and able to raise their families.

When a New London resident travels to another area (including non-local or on line retailers) to shop, they are creating "leakage." That refers to consumer spending that occurs outside of our market. Once the dollars have left our area they are gone for good. They cannot be used to pay taxes, rent, payroll, supplies, gas, utilities, make donations etc., which means the dollars cannot circulate in our community.

It is highly unlikely that a store in Appleton, Milwaukee, Madison, at the Mall of America, or an online retailer such as Amazon is ever going to donate money back to our community. Traveling a distance on the road or online to get a "bargain" is not in the best interest of our local businesses and our community.

In efforts to promote shopping locally, the New London Area Chamber of Commerce is initiating the "New London Area Chamber of Commerce Shop Local Stimulus Package." Beginning Nov. 1 our stimulus package will allow you to grow your investment in the community 10 percent while transforming your cash into "Chamber Bucks."

What exactly are Chamber Bucks? They are certificates / checks that can be redeemed at a Chamber members' business for services and / or merchandise - basically a community gift certificate. You can view a list of over 100 businesses that accept Chamber Bucks on the Chamber of Commerce's website www.newlondonchamber.com. Go to the Shop Local area on the bottom right hand side of the homepage; click on "Where to Redeem Chamber Bucks" link.

If you want to support the community and participate in our stimulus program you simply need to purchase Chamber Bucks with cash (we will not be able to accept checks, credit or debit cards for this program) and "grow" your community investment by 10% percent. If you bring in $100 in cash to purchase Chamber Bucks you receive $110 in Chamber Bucks. An individual benefit cap of $50 has been set. Chamber Bucks for this program are available in $25 increments with a $25 minimum purchase.

New London Area Chamber of Commerce office, 301 E. Beacon Ave. (in Franklin Park). Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. You can call 920-982-5822, fax 920-982-6344, or e-mail chamber@newlondonwi.org.