The 47 County Business Boost gift card program has infused $80,471 into the local business community during the past six weeks. Of that total, $55,471 were from reported gift card sales at participating Valley County businesses and $25,000 were from matching funds.
The program was created by Valley County Economic Development, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Ord City Council to assist businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Directed Health Measures.
$25,000 was allocated to the program as matching funds from the voter-approved LB840 sales tax fund. All Valley County businesses had the opportunity to opt into the program that offered a 50% match on gift card sales, paid directly to the business. Each week, businesses submitted gift card sales and a request form for the 50% match until the $25,000 was depleted.
While the financial impact for the local economy was significant, it also generated positive impacts as it relates to the buy local mentality in Valley County. Shoppers were eager to support local businesses with gift card purchases and in return, several businesses offered generous incentives such as free products and buy-one-get-one gift certificates for shoppers.
The 47 County Business Boost program was recently featured on NTV News.
