HOULTON, Maine — In an effort to stimulate the local economy, a group of area businessmen have come up with an interesting twist to the traditional gift certificate system.
“Corona Freedom Bucks” will soon be making its way around area businesses in the greater Houlton area thanks to the efforts of several local business owners.
Borrowing an idea from officials in Madawaska, Josh McLaughlin said he was approached by a colleague to see if he would match $500 and try to attract other like-minded businesspeople to create a pool of funds to help local businesses.
A meeting was then arranged with Nancy Ketch, community development director for the town of Houlton; Jane Torres of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce and Jon McLaughlin from the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation on Tuesday, April 14.
From that meeting, a stimulus program was put together that mirrored one Madawaska recently organized. Gift certificates will be available for purchase at various local businesses and whatever amount the person buys, that certificate will be doubled.
“People can call the Chamber and say they want a gift certificate to McDonald’s, for example, in the amount of $25,” Jon McLaughlin said. “Once you either give your credit card number or write a check for $25, you will get a certificate in the mail made out to McDonald’s with your name on it for $50.”
The extra funds will come from a local “stimulus account” created by donations from local individuals and businesses. Josh McLaughlin’s initial goal of $5,000 was quickly surpassed and is now on its way to $25,000. When the funds run out, they will stop selling gift certificates.
Jon McLaughlin said that any people seeking a gift certificate for a business that is currently closed due to COVID-19 will have their requests held until the business re-opens. If by a certain time, that business does not reopen the consumer’s funds will be refunded and the stimulus match will go back into the account to be used again.
The Chamber of Commerce will accept credit card/debit card payments via phone for these gift certificates, as well as check payments, starting April 30. The personalized certificates will be created and sent by mail from Southern Aroostook Development Corporation on the day that payment is made.
