More Albany Bucks to be given
By Sandy Morris
Local shoppers didn’t let the weather or COVID prevent them from shopping local during the recent “Albany Bucks” promotion sponsored by the Albany Chamber of Commerce, and since that time, funding has become available for even more Bucks.
The next drawing for Albany Bucks will be today, Dec. 10 at 11:00 a.m. and will be announced live on the Albany Chamber Facebook page.
Previous Albany Bucks winners are not eligible to win, and only one certificate per person will be allowed.
Chamber director Mary Beth Jones and local businesses were surprised by the number of tickets earned when it was time to draw for prizes on Dec. 1.
“We were blown away by all the people who came out and supported our local stores,” Jones said.
At that time, a total of $1,500 in Albany Bucks was awarded to local and out of town shoppers.
A total of ten $50 Albany Bucks certificates and ten $100 Albany Bucks certificates were given away.
In response to the great community response, First Financial Bank is donating $250, and First National Bank Albany/Breckenridge has given $300, with a total of $550 to be used for 22 more Albany Bucks certificates valued at $25 each.
Albany Bucks can only be spent at locally owned, non-chain businesses.
In addition to the extension of the Albany Bucks program, certain local stores will be offering a $25 credit for every $25 a customer spends in their store.
“The Albany Chamber Board of Directors would like to thank the citizens who supported not only the local businesses, but the board itself when the decision was made to cancel the entire day of events planned for Nov. 28,” said Jones. “The board felt with the inclement weather forecast along with the COVID spike, it was the best decision to be made.”
Jones also added that the board members were glad they had voted to cancel the events when it became apparent the parade would have been cancelled due to weather anyway.
The traditional Lighted Christmas parade is typically held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is designated as “Small Business Saturday.”
On this particular Saturday, the Chamber plans and promotes the events and the town to entice shoppers to spend their money in Albany, which ultimately supports the infrastructure of the town.
“In addition to the parade, the Chamber is trying to attract people to spend their money in town, and in turn that will support our schools, our neighbors and our families,” Jones said.
She added that weekly Chamber luncheons are held each Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. and are open to anyone who would like to get involved and help with the various Chamber projects throughout the year.
“The Chamber collects dues that are used to pay for lights and decorations that are used not only at Christmas, but at other holidays throughout the year,” explained Jones. “All work is done by Chamber volunteers, and we are always looking for more help.”
In other holiday Chamber news, memorial ornaments are still available at the Chamber office for $5 each, and homes can still be entered in the outside decorating contest.
To purchase an ornament or enter a home in the contest, contact Jones at the Chamber office at 325-762-2525.
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