Whether you need to buy a holiday gift for your loved one, purchase a gift certificate for your babysitter, or buy a new television, several Quad Cities campaigns are urging you to spend your money locally.
For instance, the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is continuing with its Keep It QC push.
“It’s all about spending dollars locally,” said Jennifer Walker, the chamber’s vice president, marketing and sales. “When we say spend money local, it’s anywhere within a six-county geographic area.”
It can be anything from buying your morning latte at the corner café to buying items at the big box store down the way, she adds.
The chamber continues to encourage people to share photos of local businesses on its social media platforms with the hashtag #KeepitQC.
Shopping or eating out also can be easier – while still supporting your community – by purchasing a Keep It QC Visa Gift Card at thecommunitygiftcard.com/KeepItQC. The Keep It QC gift card can be redeemed anywhere that Visa cards are accepted.
By purchasing gift cards in bulk (25 or more cards), you can get a discounted rate to use the cards for employee rewards, contests, welcome gifts and more. Quad Cities businesses also can promote Keep It QC by printing out free yard signs or flyers available at quadcitieschamber.com/business-services/keep-it-qc.
The local movement continues with a new Deck the Downtowns promotion in Bettendorf, Davenport and Rock Island. You’ll be seeing those downtowns publicizing their events, restaurants and shops through Dec. 18.
Deck the Downtowns’ fun includes a holiday display challenge in Downtown Davenport along with a one-stop shopping guide. Downtown Bettendorf also will offer a gift guide and attract shoppers with painted windows with holiday displays. Those wanting to find the restaurants, bars, and shops in Downtown Rock Island can peruse a gift guide on its Facebook page. For some added holiday spirit, stroll through the Quad City Botanical Center gardens with more than 160,000 lights through Jan. 2.
“This is the first time the three downtowns managed by the Quad Cities Chamber have come together to showcase the businesses that make each downtown unique with Deck the Downtowns,” said Kyle Carter, the chamber’s vice president of place management.
In addition, TBK Bank is offering a free promotion for all businesses with its own Go Local campaign. The bank will reward more than $10,000 in Visa gift cards to winners in each of the 64 communities it serves. Prizes will be about $50 each.
All you have to do to enter is visit a participating local business, look for the Go Local signage and scan the QR code with your smartphone.
“Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and it is TBK Bank’s goal to help them thrive,” said Kevin Gibbs, vice president marketing manager.
To find participating local businesses, visit TBKbank.com/GoLocal and enter your zip code.
“People don’t understand the importance of keeping the dollars in our communities,” he adds. “It’s amazing how much these local businesses give back to our communities. Businesses get asked for a lot of things through the year. The more profits they can make, the more they can give.”
