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Chamber launches stimulus program

Half-price certificates for purchases from Waupaca stores

The Waupaca Area Chamber Foundation (WACF) announced a stimulus package to give local businesses a financial shot in the arm.

“The economic effects of government reaction to the coronavirus have been devastating for some of our businesses,” according to Terri Schulz, president of the Chamber Foundation. “And, even those businesses which are not impacted as severely are still feeling a definite pinch.”

“Canceled events like the Iola Old Car Show, the Manawa Rodeo, the EAA in Oshkosh, Arts On The Square and the Chamber/CVB’s Strawberry Fest, all have a huge impact on local businesses – many of which count on summer activities and tourist dollars for their survival. When these businesses suffer, all our businesses suffer,” said Mitchell Swenson, Waupaca Area Convention and Visitors Bureau vice president of tourism.

To that end, the Chamber Foundation partnered with several area financial institutions, businesses and service organizations to provide gift certificates at half their face value.

“Chamber gift certificates are always a great way to support local businesses and they make popular gifts” Schulz said. “Now, with these special ‘Celebration Certificates,’you can buy up to $200 worth of certificates at a time, for half their face value. A $100 in Celebration Certificates is only $50.”

The Celebration Certificates are sold in $10 increments and can be used like cash at any local business. They do not have to be a chamber member.

There are, however, some restrictions: buyers are limited to $200 worth of certificates per day.

The certificates can only be used in the greater Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes area.

Certificates may not be deposited in personal accounts and must be used by Sept. 30.

“The value of these gift certificates is that they will infuse the area directly with $30,000 dollars in cash now and have an indirect impact of $210,000, when it is needed most,” Schulz said. “They are within reach of everyone, any budget.”

“Every dollar spent locally circulates through the community in several ways,” she added. “When you buy something at a local business, the owner can buy goods and services from other local businesses. That keeps both of them going.

“Owners also pay their employees with that income from sales. And, of course, then the employees have money to spend, too. That keeps the money circulating and shows the importance of always doing business locally when you can,” she said.

“The best way to get an economy growing is to get money circulating again. Our goal at the chamber Foundation is to help get that ball rolling – right here, right now,” Schulz said. “It wouldn’t be possible without the support of the donors who stepped up and put their money where it would do the most good for the greater Waupaca Area.”

The half-price certificates are available, while they last, at the WACC office at 315 S. Main St., in Waupaca.

Questions should be directed to chamber staff at 715-258-7343.

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