‘Go Local’ reward cards set to launch

With more businesses getting on board the “Go Local” campaign all the time, consumers will get their turn to take part next month when “Go Local” reward cards become available.
“Go Local” co-ordinator Tonia Dolph said the reward cards will become available in a few weeks. At this time, people will be able to sign up for free and get a rewards card.

When they make a purchase at any of the participating “Go Local” businesses, the merchant will swipe their card through a point-of-sale device and the card-holder will earn points.
When they earn enough points, the card-holder will receive a gift card with a cash value in increments of $25 to spend at any of the participating “Go Local” businesses.
The gift card has to be spent entirely when redeemed at a business.
Rewards cards will be available at participating businesses and the “Go Local” office, which is located at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce (upstairs of the Northern Lights Credit Union building).
A “Go Local” website also is under development, which is where people will be able to register their cards and track their reward points.
Participating businesses will be identified by “Go Local” signage.
“They don’t have to all be the same,” noted Dolph. “So they’ve all got their own unique saying or colour that they’ve selected from the ‘Go Local’ colours.”
She added that while she wants everybody to get a “Go Local” rewards card because they are free and easy to use, those who choose not to get one still will be encouraged to shop locally.
Businesses will get their point-of-sale devices once the rewards cards arrive.
Dolph said she has to program the point-of-sale devices in the near future, then run them through tests in anticipation of the launch.
Businesses sought
Organizers also continue to focus on getting as many businesses as possible to participate in “Go Local,” the purpose of which is to get individuals “to shop, eat, live, stay, and share locally, in Fort Frances.”
“We encourage more business members to be a part of the program,” said Dolph, noting local economic development officer Geoff Gillon has a list of businesses to visit yet, some of which may not yet be aware of the “Go Local” campaign.
“Geoff will come out and explain it to them, and they can make a decision whether the program is right for them,” she remarked.
A total of 27 businesses have signed up so far.
They include Badiuk Equipment, Betty’s, Boston Pizza, Canadian Tire Corp., Daryl’s Custom Landscapes, Fort Frances General Supply, Green’s Brand Source, Hammond Landscaping, and Kettle’s Restaurant.
Other are La Place Rendez-Vous, Leon’s, Lowes Lumber and Furniture, Lowey’s Greenhouse and Market Gardens, McTaggarts, Nirvana Salon Spa, Pruys Direct, and Revco.
Rounding out list are Sight & Sound, Sunset Country Ford, Sunset Protection Systems, Tagg’s Source for Sports, The Great Bear, The Place, UPS Store, West End Motors, Wilson’s Office Supplies, and Window and Door Store.
For more information on the “Go Local” campaign, contact Dolph (274-9621) or Gillon (274-3276), or e-mail info@golocalfortfrances.com
People who find a good deal or unique product at a local business also are urged to share the best local finds on Facebook at facebook.com/golocalfortfrances