The second year of the ‘Holding Our Own’ Shop Soldotna Program has proven to be very successful so far. Utilizing $310,000 in CARES Act funding from the City of Soldotna, this initiative was launched on November 15th and runs through December 15th, motivating over $1 million in local spending through incentivizing dollars spent. As of December 9th, the Soldotna Chamber announced that they had distributed $225,000 to area shoppers with $85,000 remaining to be distributed.
Shannon Davis with the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce said the end date is Wednesday, December 15th:
“The $310,000 is about $50,000 more than we distributed last year. The program has gone so smoothly this year, and everybody has been so joyful when they come into the office and receive their vouchers. We just want to make sure that we’re getting that last $85,000 out into the public because we don’t want to leave any money on the table. This money is meant to be helping our local businesses and helping our residents have a joyous holiday season. We just really want to get the word out.”
For $200 spent shopping in Soldotna, participants receive a $100 voucher of their choice to spend at local participating businesses by the end of 2021. 63 Soldotna businesses are currently signed up to accept vouchers. Receipts to reach the $200 threshold to receive the $100 voucher can be from any business in the city limits, but only discretionary spending counts toward the total. For this program, discretionary spending is defined as non-essential, such as clothing, gifts, furniture, recreation, and entertainment. Non-discretionary spending, such as money spent on groceries, gas, rent, and utilities, does not qualify.
Davis also says:
“We are recommending to people if you are wanting to use those vouchers either for a Christmas present or to go shopping for Christmas presents, it might be a better idea, at this point, to come in and pick your voucher up in person. The mail is taking a little bit of extra time with all of the big holiday rush. If it’s important to you to have it soon, just swing on by the chamber. We’re here and we’ll just put it right in your hand.”
In order to spread the shop local love, each household is limited to one submission. Shoppers and area businesses who would like to learn more about the program can go to www.SoldotnaChamber.com, or call the Chamber at 262-9814.
