The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its 19th annual Shop St. Joseph Holiday Program, encouraging residents to support local businesses during the festive season. The program commenced on November 12, 2023, and will run through December 15, 2023.
Participating shoppers can collect tickets that enter them into a draw for a grand prize of $10,000. Additionally, there is an opportunity to win $2,500 specifically for shopping at small businesses. The Chamber defines a small business for this initiative as any locally owned establishment with ten or fewer employees.
During the program, shoppers receive one Shop St. Joseph ticket for free and an additional ticket for every $10 spent at participating businesses. This incentive aims to foster a strong community support system during the holiday shopping period.
Incentives and Community Engagement
“We’re very excited to kick off Shop St. Joseph; it’s one of the best times of the year,” said Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. The program not only encourages local spending but also aims to create winners among the community, thereby enhancing the festive spirit.
According to the Chamber’s announcement, the Shop Small Business Bonus has been introduced to provide additional motivation for residents to choose local shops over larger retailers. “Besides the obvious benefit of encouraging spending at small businesses, the Shop Small Business Bonus makes another shopper a big winner,” Hawn noted.
Participating Businesses and Prizes
Shoppers can look forward to various second-chance prizes from participating merchants. A comprehensive list of these prizes will be available on the Chamber’s official webpage following the announcement of the grand prize winner. Merchants interested in joining the program still have the option to register.
A list detailing all participating shops is provided by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting local commerce during the holiday season. The initiative not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens the community’s ties, making it a significant event in St. Joseph, Missouri.
As the holiday season approaches, the Shop St. Joseph program stands as a reminder of the importance of local shopping and its impact on the community. With enticing prizes and the chance to support local businesses, residents have ample reason to engage actively in this festive initiative.