Courtesy of Saratoga County Chamber
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has kicked off its Love Our Locals $20.24 campaign, an initiative that emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations.
The campaign began on November 1 and continues through the remainder of the year. During this time, residents and tourists who support any business or non-profit in Saratoga County by spending or donating $20.24 or more are eligible to enter a gift card giveaway.
Individuals are encouraged to submit their receipts of $20.24 or more online at www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals to enter. Each week, the chamber will randomly select winners for $100 in gift cards to businesses across the county.
Love Our Locals $20.24 is sponsored by SaratogaWine.com and many area businesses that donate gift cards as the prizes.
This campaign started during the pandemic as Save Our Locals $20.21, which resulted in more than 2,000 entries from locals whose purchases directly aided in the county’s economic rebound from COVID-19 restrictions. In 2022, the Save Our Locals program was recognized with a New York State Tourism Excellence Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association.
Since then, the campaign was renamed Love Our Locals and remains a popular and purposeful annual effort.
“This campaign has been essential in driving the county’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we aim to keep energizing the small business community and encourage everyone to shop local and to donate to local causes. As 2024 wraps up, we invite residents to continue supporting the local businesses and non-profits that make our region unique.”
While the campaign takes place during the holiday shopping season, it is designed to support a wide variety of businesses and organizations from the retail, dining, service, entertainment and non-profit sectors. Eligible purchases can include hair care, car repairs, home improvement projects, dry cleaning, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, concert tickets, snow removal, fitness club memberships, eyeglasses, flowers, toys and holiday decorations. Donations made to area charitable organizations are also eligible for entry.
“Thanks for thinking local,” Shimkus said. “Your support really makes a difference, and together we can help our community thrive.”
More information on Love Our Locals $20.24 is available at www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals.
Businesses that would like to donate gift cards and be featured in this campaign are invited to email loveourlocals@saratoga.org for more information.