My 2016 begins with a feeling of gratitude for the county in which I live and work.  As the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, I have to thank the community for their extraordinary support for the businesses in our area.

This past Christmas season has definitely been a rewarding one for the Chamber and its members.

Without a doubt, this has been a record season for Chamber Bucks. The business community has heard the call to support our local businesses. They have used them in many different ways, but, most importantly, they have made a statement to their employees about the importance of shopping in the local area. Showing support through Chamber Bucks reminds the employees of the company’s commitment to the community in which they live.

I should also thank the community at large for their purchases of Chamber Bucks. Individuals have come in steadily over the course of the month to purchase them as gifts for family, friends and colleagues.

Over the course of the month, we repeatedly heard how happy people were to be giving something that “has to be spent here.” Of course, we also know that many of our member businesses were able to provide gift certificates and gift cards for community members wishing to support a particular business.

We are unable to track those items, but we do know that we have generated over $100,000 in Chamber Buck orders this month alone.

What does that mean to the member businesses? So far this month we have written checks for over $40,000 to our members. This does not include those who redeem them on a monthly basis. Your local purchases do make a difference.

Our first Holiday Rewards program was also well received. We had 29 individuals gather receipts of more than $25 from 10 chamber member businesses and, in return, they received $25 in Chamber Bucks. We also randomly selected one individual, Judy Olson, to receive an additional $225 in Chamber Bucks as a way of thanking the participants.

Those 29 individuals brought in receipts totaling over $21,800 from 70 local businesses.

I can’t thank you enough. The support of the citizens of Albert Lea for the members of the business community is amazing. What a great place to live and work!

 

Randy Kehr

Executive director

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce