Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Stimulus topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gift-certificate pilot put nearly $2,150 back into local businesses so far, staff says
Summary
Staff reported the pilot distributed nearly $5,000 in gift certificates to 11 businesses and tracked about $2,150 redeemed so far, and discussed distribution methods and next-month reporting.
Staff presented an interim report on a gift-certificate pilot intended to stimulate local retail: 11 businesses received certificates (most $500, some $200–$250) and the certificates were distributed at community events, rodeos and in tourism packages.
According to staff, the total value of certificates distributed was just under $5,000 and reported redemptions to date total roughly $2,150. The staff member said, “Out of all of the gift certificates that were purchased and then redeemed, all of the businesses got at least one gift certificate redeemed and some money spent back at their stores.” Members discussed ways to improve tracking and suggested asking businesses to code redemptions to aid future evaluation.
Board members noted benefits beyond redemptions: businesses receive money up front when certificates are purchased and the certificates provide advertising value even if not redeemed quickly.
