“Buy Bainbridge – Support Tomorrow Days” throughout May
“Buy Bainbridge – Support Tomorrow Days” throughout May
Residents are encouraged to help neighbors by purchasing gift cards for services and goods from favorite island businesses to help offset impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.
Bainbridge Island – The Bainbridge Island City Council proclaimed every Friday during the month of May as “Buy Bainbridge, Support Tomorrow Days” in an effort to curb the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for the city’s nearly 400 small businesses, which are the lifeblood of the island’s economy.
Together, with the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association and Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, the council urged residents to support their favorite businesses (whether they are open or closed) by purchasing gift cards through the Support Local portal supported by USA Today-Gannett news network (http://tiny.cc/Support-BI-Businesses). The portal refers customers directly to business websites, with nearly 50 participating island businesses linked in a directory for easy use. Participation is free to businesses and one hundred percent of each gift card sold goes directly to business owners.
“This is a difficult time for our city, nation and world. In the face of adversity, we sincerely thank and applaud the dedication of Bainbridge Island’s small businesses as they have quickly pivoted to help fulfill essential needs and services for the island’s nearly 25,000 residents during this global health crisis,” Mayor Leslie Schneider said. “These businesses are the bedrock of our community and create a vibrant place to live, work and play for residents and visitors alike. It’s our turn to support them in their time of need.”
“This is an SOS on behalf our small and independent business owners who are struggling right now – open or closed.” President and CEO of the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Rex Oliver said. “Even though we are all hurting in the midst of COVID-19, I’m asked every day by Islanders about what they can do – they want to help.”
If the nearly 10,000 households on the island purchased an average of just $25 in gift cards for our local businesses, it would create $250,000 in economic impact now. If that average increased to $50 or $100 in gift cards, it could create between $500,000 and $1 million in immediate economic impact to the island’s businesses.
Businesses that are not yet on the Support Local site can still be supported by simply going to their individual websites or calling the business and purchasing gift cards directly.
“I know we are all looking for ways to help from our homes. Gift card purchases can be used today, tomorrow or far into the future, but that money is in the door of that business today and it is the single best way to ensure our small and independent businesses weather this storm right now,” Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association Jerri Lane said. “I truly want to thank our City Council for stepping up to help us get this message out and also want thank our community in advance for their support.”
For current information on business status, pickup, delivery, and online options please refer to the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association website at bainbridgedowntown.org and the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce website at bainbridgechamber.com.
City of Bainbridge Island: Go to https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/. Follow us on Facebook @citybainbridgeisland and Twitter @cityofbi.
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association: BIDA provides public support in many ways: by building community through a vibrant downtown; facilitating local involvement in downtown interests; marketing the destination to visitors and locals; and promoting the aesthetic design and economic vitality of the downtown corridor. BIDA partners with local businesses in marketing special offers and events throughout the year. Learn more at https://bainbridgedowntown.org/. Follow us on Facebook @BainbridgeIslandDowntownAssociation, Instagram @bainbridgedowntownassociation, and Twitter @BIdowntown.
About Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce: For 93 years, the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce has been a cornerstone of the Bainbridge business community. Through our public and member events we have forged relationships that have held strong for decades. Our close partnerships with local organizations, both charitable and business related, have allowed us to further a strong economic foundation on the Island. Learn more at https://bainbridgechamber.com/. Follow us on Facebook @BainbridgeChamber, Instagram @bainbridgechamber, and Twitter @BI_Chamber.
*Content was provided by Mickey Molnaire, Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce – images used with permission by BICC , COBI, and BIDA
