By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
If battling online retail giants was not difficult enough, local businesses continue to battle workforce shortages and supply chain issues. Great Bend Chamber of Commerce CEO Megan Barfield said that's just more reason why to shop locally this holiday season. The chamber has returned its "Shop Local and Win" campaign to incentivize that behavior. Barfield said the chamber will be giving away nearly $1,000 in chamber certificates on Dec. 21.
"Really, how it's different than some of the other shop local campaigns is we're incentivizing the consumer to do the shopping here," she said. "When they spend at least $20 in a transaction with any of our chamber members, they can take a quick snap and email a copy of their receipt to shoplocal@greatbend.org."
The receipts must be from Great Bend Chamber member businesses, and each transaction must be at least $20 to qualify. All qualifying entries will be entered into the drawing. Brentwood Builders and Nex-Tech Wireless have teamed up to provide nearly $1,000 in prizes.
"Everyone hears, 'Shop local, shop local,'" Barfield said. "But we have to keep, I feel like, reminding ourselves of that, of why it's important to shop local. It is those local businesses that are the heart and soul of our community. They're supporting all our non-profits, our ball clubs, and extracurricular activities and those groups."
The big giveaway will take place live on the chamber's Facebook page at 10 a.m. on Dec. 21. Barfield said those indecisive shoppers who would like to spend locally can still purchase chamber gift certificates to be used at any chamber business. Those are available at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce office, 1125 Williams Street.