There’s a new initiative in West Nipissing and it’s about encouraging businesses to sell more of their own gift cards. Jolene Greer is a spokesperson for the West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce. Greer says although many businesses sell gift cards in general, very few sell their own brands. Greer says the program is in its initial stages so it’s still being refined including trying to determine denominations for the gift cards. Greer says the obvious advantage for businesses to sell their own brand of gift card is it brings customers back and increases their revenue.
Meanwhile, the West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce is also trying to get more area restaurants and residents to buy more locally grown food. Greer says a recent study shows that many eateries don’t buy locally grown food they serve to their customers. Greer says the goal is to reverse that practice. Greer says in the end, buying food from West Nipissing farmers can be a win-win for everyone.