|
 Bearing in mind the role of the Chamber as a county-wide
representative of the business community, Chamber Director Cathy
Wilhite stated recently that the Chamber believed it was important
to represent and work for all the businesses in Logan County. She
noted that this expanded campaign would encourage shoppers to not
only visit downtown Lincoln, but also the businesses throughout the
city and in our other communities such as Atlanta, Mount Pulaski and
Elkhart.
Wilhite added, though this is a first time effort, she is excited
about the number of businesses that have been anxious to
participate. The Chamber is working to include businesses throughout
the county, and though it has been somewhat of a struggle, she feels
that in time, those outlying communities will come to see that the
Chamber is here to work for everyone, regardless of where they are
in Logan County.
For local shoppers, this campaign has some big rewards. The campaign
is divided into two parts, the first being "Find Ralph the
Reindeer." When Ralph is found in a particular business, that
business will reward the finder with an immediate gift from the
business.
The second part of the campaign will offer diligent shoppers an
opportunity to win a $500 cash prize, with the drawing being held on
December 15th.
Find Ralph the Reindeer
Ralph, aka famous movie moose Sven, will be hiding inside a variety
of businesses between November 12th and December 12th. Ralph will go
to a participating business and ‘hide.’ He will stay hidden until
some lucky shopper finds him. When he is found, the shopper should
take Ralph to the clerk, and will immediately receive a gift from
that business.
Chamber event coordinator, Kari Adams, said it would be at the
business’ discretion regarding what the gift may be. It could be a
gift card for a future shopping trip, or it could be an item from
the retailer, either way, it is sure to be worth the effort of
looking for Ralph.
Ralph will stay in the business until he is found. Once found, he
will move on to another participating business. Adams said depending
on how quickly Ralph is found, he could be moved to a new location
every day.
Now then, to help shoppers figure out where Ralph may be hiding, the
Chamber will provide clues about his location. Those clues may be
found on Lincoln Daily News by clicking on the “Shop Logan County”
button in the right-hand sidebar on the Top Stories page. The clue
will also be posted on the Chamber Facebook page.
“Shop Logan County” for a chance to win $500
The second part of the Shop Logan County campaign will end with one
lucky shopper receiving a cash prize of $500.
Booklets will be available at the participating businesses or the
Chamber office, currently located at 1555 Fifth Street in Lincoln.
Shoppers will need to visit each business, and have that business’
page marked with a color-coded sticker. The booklet, once filled
with stickers, should be returned to the Chamber office where it
will become eligible for the $500 drawing.
Booklets must be returned to the Chamber office no later than
December 12th.
It should be noted, that during this time, the Chamber offices will
be moving. The move is currently scheduled to take place on December
1st, and the new Chamber location will be 110 North Kickapoo Street
in Lincoln.
On December 15th, at approximately noon, Santa Clause is scheduled
to stop in at the Chamber office, and in the presence of local media
will draw out the winning booklet. The winner will be announced and
may then pick up the $500 prize. Adams said that the Chamber would
set a time limit on picking up the prize of 72 hours. So, if the
prize is not claimed by December 18th, a new name will be drawn, and
a new winner announced.
[to top of second column] |
Adams said that the $500 prize would NOT be issued in Chamber Bucks,
it will be real money that the winner can use in whatever way they
wish. She said there was a two-fold purpose for this. The Chamber is
inviting all Logan County businesses to participate in this
promotion, regardless of whether or not the business is a member of
the Chamber organization. Businesses that are not members do not
have the ability to accept Chamber Bucks, and the Chamber does not
want to exclude those businesses from reaping the benefits of a $500
shopping experience. Additionally, Adams noted that at this time
of year, there are a lot of expenses for families as they prepare
for Christmas. The money won through this campaign may be needed for
other things, such as paying the utilities, or paying an insurance
bill. Adams said this was something the Chamber gave much thought
to before making the decision not to use Chamber Bucks. In November,
Adams and Wilhite presented the campaign to the Chamber Ambassadors,
who work to help promote good relationships inside the chamber
membership, as well as recruiting new members. The Ambassadors
agreed that at Christmas time especially, families can use some
extra cash, without being told where or how they must spend it.
Altogether, there are 27 Logan County businesses participating in
the Shop Logan County campaign. Adams said she was surprised by some
of the businesses that had signed up. She noted that it was not
going to be all retailer. There are insurance agents participating,
and even the local concrete company.
 Here is the complete listing
of participating businesses for the booklet (The list of businesses
participating in Find Ralph won’t be posted – you’ll need to check
for clues in Lincoln Daily News starting Saturday, November 12th):
- Best Friends Animal Hospital
- CCA online
- Contractors Ready-Mix
- Furniture Gallery
- Prairie Years
- El Mazatlan
- Nuthatch Hill BBQ Co.
- Hampton Inn
- Graue Inc.
- Lincoln Daily News
- Moriearty Insurance/Harris-Hodnet Insurance
- ME Realty
- Factory Connection
- Sir Renna Tea
- Michelle Bauer - Country Financial
- Culver’s
- ReNew Consignment & Thrift
- Joe Ryan – Country Financial
- Lincoln Printers
- Blades
- MKS Jewelers
- REPS Gym
- Flossie & Delzena’s
- Lincoln Park District
- Lincoln Art Institute
- Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary (Santa’s Shop 1 Stop
event)
- Copper Penny
In addition to all this, Adams noted that some of the businesses are adding a
special discount coupon or secondary winning opportunity inside the booklet,
which will give shoppers yet another opportunity to enjoy doing business with
Logan County retailers and businesses with potential savings attached.
Booklets will be available starting this Saturday, November 12th, and must be
turned in no later than Monday, December 12th.
[Nila Smith] |
