APPLETON, Wis.–Fox Communities Credit Union here reports it continues to expand its “Small Business Passport” program as part of its “Shop Small” initiative.
Aimed at building upon American Express’ Small Business Saturday, the FCCU program offers rewards that include specials, discounts and refreshments to shoppers in Appleton, Green Bay and the Heart of the Valley market.
“We offered the program for the fifth time in Appleton, the third time in Green Bay and introduced the Heart of the Valley area to the event for the first time this year. This event continues to grow, and it proves that the Shop Small Movement is something people in Northeast Wisconsin believe in,” said Heather Wessley, community relationship officer with Fox Communities Credit Union, in a statement. “Partnering with City of Appleton, Appleton Downtown, Inc., Appleton Northside Business Association, City of Green Bay, On Broadway, Inc., Olde Main Street, Downtown Green Bay, Inc., Military Avenue Business District and the Heart of the Valley Chamber, proved to be a great way to make customers aware of the multitude of small businesses throughout Northeast Wisconsin.”
According to Fox Communities, many businesses reported record-setting sales. More than 1,630 Small Business Passports were turned in with five stamps, indicating they had supported at least five different Green Bay, Heart of the Valley and Appleton small local businesses that day. Of the 1,630 passports, more than 200 shoppers were awarded prizes valued over $7,500 within the participating communities.
Fox Communities CU added that “Shop Small is a cause that supports local economies and promotes vibrant, diverse communities. Each dollar you spend returns 3x more money to your local economy than one spent at a chain, and almost 50x more than buying from an online mega-retailer.”