Promoting shopping local is one initative the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce is taking to help our business sector and economy.
Every holiday season the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce tracks how much money was spent in the community through their Passport Program.
In 2018 $445,000 was recorded through the program when 24 businesses participated.
From Nov. 12, 2019 and Jan. 2, 2020 shoppers received one stamp on their passport for every $10 they spend at 62 participating businesses.
Over 8,000 passports were collected showing $800,000 was spent in the community.
The chamber is estimating the number is closer to $1-million as more than 12,000 passports were distributed and a maximum of four complete passports could be submitted for one purchase
As part of the program there was a draw for three prizes of McMurray Money, which are coupons you could spend at participating businesses.
A bonus prize of a four Day Getaway to Laughlin, Nevada was also awarded.
Will Collins, Manager of Marketing and Communications with the chamber says shopping local is important as local businesses are the “life blood” of the community.
“Our business community is the heart of the community, its what makes our region a great place to live in, we all know its easy to shop online but we have those brick and mortar, home based, large and small businesses across the community giving us colour and flavour, employing people and keeping them here.”
For this year Collins is hoping more businesses sign up to be apart of the program and more money is spent locally.
