New “Patriot Bucks” program aims to boost small businesses by rewarding residents for shopping local.
Shopping in Oglethorpe County just got easier with the launch of Patriot Bucks.
The $10 cards were to be randomly mailed to 250 households this week to encourage local spending. The cards can be used like cash for any item or service at participating businesses within the county.
“(We’re) trying to put money into the hands of Oglethorpe County citizens and have them shop at Oglethorpe County businesses to not only help the businesses, but to let the people in (the county) explore the opportunities of shopping locally,” said Ronnie Boggs, Lexington mayor and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.
There’s a QR code on the back of each card that links to the chamber’s website, where recipients can view a current list of participating businesses. Rowdy Rooster, Lexington Marketplace, Crawford Pizza and BlueSky Tire and Auto Service headline the current partners.
“We don’t necessarily want a Walmart or a huge manufacturing plant,” Boggs said. “Although it’s nice to have those things increase your tax base, we want businesses that fit Oglethorpe County.”
There is no cost for the businesses to participate, only a potential gain. Each store will keep a tally sheet of Patriot Bucks redeemed, and once the sheet is filled, the Chamber will issue a reimbursement for the full amount.
Boggs was introduced to the idea by the Oglethorpe County Economic Development Authority last summer and began sharing it with local business owners, who quickly showed interest.
BlueSky Tire and Auto Service, an auto repair shop that opened in Crawford five months ago, saw Patriot Bucks as an ideal way to draw in new customers.
“It’s advertising for us,” said Mari Robb, co-owner of BlueSky. “When you tell someone, ‘Hey, I’ve got this benefit at this facility,’ you’re going to increase the number of people that walk through that door. So, that’s good for our business.”
Robb said she believes Patriot Bucks will not only impact her shop, but also surrounding businesses.
“Whether it’s a library, whether it’s a car repair place, whether it’s a place to get meat processed or go pick up venison, every business along this road benefits each other,” Robb said. “They benefit when more customers walk in the door.”
BlueSky plans to add its own twist by doubling the value of each Patriot Buck used in the shop. A customer who spends their full $10 card will receive a $20 benefit.
“When we’re successful, everybody immediately and near us is successful,” Robb said. “And that’s true for every single business.”
Some businesses have expressed plans to partner and create joint deals and incentives. Boggs said he could see Patriot Bucks eventually becoming something residents can purchase as gifts or for personal use.
But for now, local businesses are simply excited to welcome new faces.
“I would love and hope to see that every card that’s sent out gets redeemed,” Robb said. “That would be the dream come true.”