Article: Sale of BIA Bucks Soar

Posted Thursday December 17, 2020

Posted By: Kelly Mcdonald

Category: Blog

Toronto Star
By Tammy Lindsay Schneider, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kincardine Independent
Wed., Dec. 16, 2020

Rick Clarke, BIA manager and part of the team who have been leading the campaign to convince residents to shop local during the pandemic, has seen firsthand how businesses and community can band together to support merchants and restaurants in the downtown.

BIA Bucks, gift certificates that can be purchased in any denomination and redeemed at any downtown business or dining room, have been selling like hotcakes. Clarke believes companies are giving them to staff in place of the annual gift or Christmas dinner, and to recognize employees, and residents are buying them as gifts, knowing they will be supporting the downtown.

At press time, Clarke estimated $50,000 worth of “bucks” have been sold to companies including several departments in Bruce Power, No Frills, Community Living Kincardine and Superheat. Last year, about $1,000 worth of certificates were sold.

“It’s really a response to our shop local campaign,” said Clarke. “This year there is a sensitivity, with the pandemic, to shop local.”

Clarke also pointed out that these dollars will likely be spent during the early months of 2021, months that are traditionally very slow for retailers.

BIA Bucks can still be purchased by contact Clarke at 519-955-0547 or by emailing downtownkincardine@gmail.com.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/12/16/sale-of-kincardine-bia-bucks-soar.html?fbclid=IwAR1EBkHUAqU2YIJS_Lh6D3U53yjRU0OeZUBS7bStLg8Bqzsnlu10rincLbE