Bradley card boosts local shopping

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - To drive more spending to local retail, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce is launching a community card program called BuyIt Bradley.

"BuyIt Bradley is a simple way to try to capture as much spending locally as possible and do our part to help protect against future tax increases," Chamber President Gary Farlow said.

The Chamber decided to begin the card program in place of spending to start new retail recruitment programs, Farlow said. It makes more sense to support local businesses, he said.

Aaron Weatherford, membership director at the Chamber, said the cards will be available for $2 each, and, like a gift card, can store amounts from $20 to $500.

The cards initially will be available only at the Chamber and will include a list of merchants involved, he said.

"The card is a unique local gift-giving solution," Bernadette Douglas, the program's project director, said. "With one card, consumers will be able to make purchases at a variety of local businesses."

So far 12 businesses have committed to accept the card, but the Chamber is hoping for at least 75 by the end of the year, Weatherford said.

Dorris Shober, the owner of Lupi's pizza, said Chattanooga's BuyIt card has given the restaurant plenty of extra business at its downtown location.

"It's worked very well," she said. "The money put on these cards has been spent at Lupi's a lot."

Shober, who opened a pizzeria in Cleveland six months ago, said she was motivated to join the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber to become part of BuyIt Bradley.

"It helps a small business person," she said. "It promotes local businesses."

Contact Harrison Keely at hkeely@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6306.

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