Shop Local

Central Whidbey First

The Town of Coupeville and the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce are proud to sponsor the Central Whidbey First shop local campaign to support locally owned business.

Central Whidbey First is a major economic initiative designed to encourage local and visiting consumers to recognize that by shopping locally we maintain the uniqueness of our community and promote sustainable businesses.  Research shows that the most compelling and motivating reasons for shopping locally have generally focused on retaining the unique and special character of hometowns and neighborhoods, as opposed to becoming "any-town U.S.A."

Research also shows that local businesses give more money to charity, keep money circulating in the local economy longer and have deeper community roots than businesses owned by folks from out of town. “For every $100 that spent at a locally-owned business, $68 re-circulates back into the community, as opposed to every $100 spent at a non-local business, where only $43 stays in the community.”

Central Whidbey First is an ongoing campaign, that is open to all Chamber members, as well as non-member businesses that are located in the Coupeville school district. 

How the campaign works:

By shopping in locally owned participating businesses, consumers can be entered into a monthly drawing for $100.

It's simple and easy to participate.

1.    Shoppers pick up a free Central Whidbey First card at the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce office or at any Central Whidbey First participating business.

2.     Shoppers carry the Central Whidbey First card with them and have participating businesses stamp and sign the card when making purchases for goods or services totaling at least $20.  Limit 5 cards per purchase.

3.     After collecting five stamps on the card, shoppers will write their name and contact information on the back of the card and drop it in a Central Whidbey First drop box at the Chamber office or any of the other convenient drop box locations listed on the card.

4.    Each month a Central Whidbey First card will be drawn at the CWCC Member Meeting.  The winning cardholder will receive a $100 check from CWCC.  Shoppers need not be present to win.

5.    Central Whidbey First winners and the businesses at which they shopped will both be announced in the newspaper and in CWCC communications.


Details for Participating Businesses

CWCC Member Businesses are automatically signed up as participating businesses in the Central Whidbey First campaign.  Businesses must advise the Chamber if they do not wish to participate in the campaign.  All businesses located within the Coupeville school district geographical boundary are eligible to participate.

Non-Member Businesses pay $25 per year to be a participating business in the campaign, to cover the cost of the program materials.  If the non-member business joins the Chamber within six months of becoming a Central Whidbey First participating business, the entry fee will be deducted from the CWCC membership fee.

Participating businesses will be listed in Central Whidbey First advertising, via print and online media (some print ads may not list businesses due to space limitations, however the intent is to list all participating businesses).

The Chamber will advertise in the local newspaper(s), in the Chamber newsletter, and via the CWCC website to promote Central Whidbey First.  The Chamber will randomly select individual participating businesses to feature each month.

Participating businesses will sign a shopper’s Central Whidbey First card when the shopper purchases goods or services of at least $20.  Limited to 5 cards per purchase.

Central Whidbey First cards will be printed and distributed by the Chamber and will be the size of a credit card to easily fit into a wallet or purse.  The card will be valid for the calendar year in which it is issued.  Participating businesses will also be listed on the CWCC website.
 
Central Whidbey First cards that have been turned in will have customer’s name, address, phone number, and email address.  This information will be loaded into the CWCC database that may be used for future marketing campaigns.  

When the monthly drawing is held at the CWCC Member meeting, the Central Whidbey First participating businesses that are listed on the card will be read to the members, posted on the website, and listed in the newspaper to reinforce the program and promote the individual business.
 
Central Whidbey First cards will be picked up monthly from each of the drop box locations, to be included in the drawing.  Winners will be notified and given a $100 check from CWCC.  Winners need not be present to win.

Please come to the Member Meeting on March 12th, or contact the Chamber after March 12th, to pick up your supplies or to obtain additional information.

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