Supporting local took on a new meaning in 2020

In 2020 $96,514 in Chamber Bucks were distributed locally! The Chamber Bucks program is designed to keep dollars local. Anybody can purchase them, and they can be spent at 231 participating Chamber member businesses. Call 3420-763-3161 for information.

Top 2020 Chamber Buck Purchasers Alomere Health - $23,323 LGC Biosearch Technologies - $21,205 Douglas Machine - $5,915 Bethany on the Lake - $5,634 Public Sales - $10,030

Supporting local

took on a new meaning in 2020

Shop local…do business local…

support local… these are messages you hear repeatedly throughout every community, especially since the introduction of online shopping.

But these messages took on an entirely new meaning in 2020 as some businesses struggled to stay afloat due to the pandemic and the forced closures and limiting restrictions that came along with it.

The “support local” messages were voiced even louder and shared more frequently through many different avenues in 2020. Local residents heard the messages and, thankfully for our community, they listened.

More gift cards were purchased. People were more conscientious of buying local vs. online. Many increased their donations to local causes and nonprofits.

People spent more time “exploring” local businesses and were pleasantly surprised at all they found right here in their own community.

Here’s proof. An incredible $96,514 in Chamber Bucks were purchased in 2020! That is an increase of $58,037 from last year’s total of $38,477. Those are dollars that will get reinvested back into this community, in which you all work, live and play.

While local support was strong all year, it definitely ramped up during the holidays. The months of January, February and March are typically the most challenging for some local businesses on any given year, and with COVID still a major factor, those months of 2021 may be their most challenging yet. So please, continue to shop local, do business local, support local all year long.

Helping You ELECTRIFY Your Everyday

www.runestoneelectric.com

Where the Pros Go!

1802 Fillmore St. | Alexandria, MN 320-763-5143

Independently Owned and Operated

We are faster to any disaster

Restoration:

• Fire, Smoke, and Soot • Water Removal and Dehumidification • Mold Mitigation and Remediation • Catastrophic Storm response • Move-Outs and Contents Restoration • Electronics and Equipment • Document Drying • Contents Claim Inventory Service

Cleaning:

• Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism • Carpet, Upholstry, Drapes and Blinds • Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors • Deodorization *Services vary by location