‘Go Local’ fever catching on

It appears local consumers are catching “Go Local” fever, with more than 1,000 people have picked up their customer loyalty cards since the campaign launch last week.
“[The launch] went really well,” consultant Tannis Drysdale said yesterday afternoon.

“The technology worked and we had really good numbers signing up.”
Drysdale said 1,700 “Go Local” loyalty cards were distributed to participating businesses and more than 1,000 of them have been claimed by consumers, who are now card-carrying “Go Local” supporters.
The promotion also has been causing quite the buzz on social media like Facebook, where Drysdale said “the reach” (i.e., how many different people visit a site or page) of the “Go Local” page has jumped from about 350 people early last week to 4,500 at present.
And its seems “Go Local” fever is spreading to merchants, too.
Drysdale noted that in the past week, four or five more local businesses said they wanted to participate in the program—joining the 33 which were on board for the launch.
Those who have signed up for a card are being entered into the “Go Local” computer system right now, but they can start earning “Go Local” points through special offers at participating businesses and by making purchases.
With each purchase they make, they can present their “Go Local” card, which the employee will swipe at the till.
The customer then will receive a receipt stating how many “Go Local” points they may have earned with that purchase, as well as a running total of how many they have earned altogether.
And starting in the next few weeks, “Go Local” card-holders also will be able to track how many points they have by going online to the “Go Local” website at www.golocalfortfrances.com
When they acquire 300 or more points, consumers are eligible for a $25 “Go Local” rewards card, which they can use at participating businesses.
In fact, several “Go Local” card-holders already have achieved or exceeded the 300 point goal, with more than one earning 1,000.
The “Go Local” support team will start issuing reward cards in April. Consumers will be able to pick them up at the “Go Local” office located above the Northern Lights Credit Union or have them sent in the mail, whichever they prefer.
When an individual signs up for a “Go Local” loyalty card, they can check a box asking if they would like to receive “Go Local” e-mails on special offers and sales events.
Drysdale urged people to do so, although she added they always can choose to unsubscribe from the list down the road.
“Go Local” is an initiative aimed at getting people to spend more dollars locally, for the benefit of businesses and, by extension, the whole community.
After all, local businesses not only contribute to the tax base, but create jobs, donate to causes, and sponsor sports teams and events.
For more information on “Go Local,” and a list of participating businesses, visit www.golocalfortfrances.com