Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce encourages shopping local for the holiday season

JAMESTOWN — As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce urges the community to think locally first.

Shopping at Jamestown’s unique small businesses not only offers a more personal and quality shopping experience but also keeps dollars in the community, benefiting us all, said Emily Bivens, chamber executive director. More than $9.3 billion would be directly returned to the U.S. economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business, the chamber said.

“Before you open an internet browser to shop online, take a stroll through our community,” Bivens said. “Discover a shop you haven’t visited in a while or support a local business that’s new to you. Every dollar spent locally directly supports Jamestown and strengthens the economy we share.”

One way to keep dollars local is by purchasing Chamber Bucks from the chamber office, which are accepted at a variety of chamber member businesses. These are available year-round and can be used anytime only at chamber member businesses. The chamber’s Loyal to Local Holiday Passport Program, which kicks off on Nov. 30, encourages holiday shopping within the community, keeping dollars here and supporting local jobs. Over the past three years, this program alone has tracked more than $400,000 in local spending.

For more information on Chamber Bucks, the Loyal to Local Passport Program, or how to support local businesses, stop by the chamber office at 120 2nd St. SE or call 701-252-4830.