/buyitdowntown/ The local shopping card that's accepted at over 60 popular places in downtown Chattanooga! Includes restaurants, chic boutiques, toys, spas and more-something for everyone en-gb This site is powered by e107, which is released under the terms of the GNU GPL License. admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Fri, 18 May 2012 22:56:20 -0700 Fri, 18 May 2012 22:56:20 -0700 http://backend.userland.com/rss e107 (http://e107.org) hourly 1 60 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/e107_images/button.png /buyitdowntown/ 88 31 The local shopping card that's accepted at over 60 popular places in downtown Chattanooga! Includes restaurants, chic boutiques, toys, spas and more-something for everyone http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.59.3

Chattanooga, Tenn. June 13, 2010  -  Buy it Local, LLC, creators of Chattanooga's Buy it* Downtown community card program announced the prepaid card program benefitting local, downtown merchants in Chattanooga, Tennessee has now benefited the local economy more than $1Million.  On the heels of distressing news of retail setbacks nationwide for May 2010, the Chattanooga Buy it*Downtown card program continues to set new records.  Cards redeemed and payments made to  merchant locations rose to more than $27,000 for the month, up more than 130% for the same month in 2009.

The prepaid "buy it*downtown" shopping cards  work  like a gift card or prepaid debit card for participating locations downtown.  The prepaid cards help to guarantee those dollars will be spent locally and downtown.  In addition to its economic impact and benefit to local merchants, the cards are real hit with shoppers because it provides lots of choice.  Unlike a regular gift card for a single retailer, Buy it*downtown cards give cardholders lots of choice.

The first cards were sold in December 2007, two and one-half years ago.  Starting with a merchant netowrk of only 16 locations.  Today, the card program now includes 80 participating locations and card sales have exceeded $500,000.

More than 90% of locations are not only locally owned but also locally "created", providing a much higher than average economic multiplier effect from the dollars that are spent and a much higher than average positive impact on the local economy."Local merchants most often purchase most all of their support services locally- using local graphic designers, accounting and bookkeeping support, legal services, printers, etc. ", said Amy Walker Cherry, founder of Buy it*Downtown.  "This is why the economic multiplier is so high for local stores and businesses."  A dollar spent at a local business will yield 40-60% more back into the local economy than spent elsewhere, according to economic researchers.Buy it*Downtown is grateful to all the many corporate buyers and shoppers who have purchased and spent cards in support of  downtown merchants.  Plans are to continue to grow card sales and services and to generate millions more for the local Chattanooga economy.

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Chattanooga, Tenn. June 13, 2010  -  Buy it Local, LLC, creators of Chattanooga's Buy it* Downtown community card program announced the prepaid card program benefitting local, downtown merchants in Chattanooga, Tennessee has now benefited the local economy more than $1Million.  On the heels of distressing news of retail setbacks nationwide for May 2010, the Chattanooga Buy it*Downtown card program continues to set new records.  Cards redeemed and payments made to  merchant locations rose to more than $27,000 for the month, up more than 130% for the same month in 2009.

The prepaid "buy it*downtown" shopping cards  work  like a gift card or prepaid debit card for participating locations downtown.  The prepaid cards help to guarantee those dollars will be spent locally and downtown.  In addition to its economic impact and benefit to local merchants, the cards are real hit with shoppers because it provides lots of choice.  Unlike a regular gift card for a single retailer, Buy it*downtown cards give cardholders lots of choice.

The first cards were sold in December 2007, two and one-half years ago.  Starting with a merchant netowrk of only 16 locations.  Today, the card program now includes 80 participating locations and card sales have exceeded $500,000.

More than 90% of locations are not only locally owned but also locally "created", providing a much higher than average economic multiplier effect from the dollars that are spent and a much higher than average positive impact on the local economy."Local merchants most often purchase most all of their support services locally- using local graphic designers, accounting and bookkeeping support, legal services, printers, etc. ", said Amy Walker Cherry, founder of Buy it*Downtown.  "This is why the economic multiplier is so high for local stores and businesses."  A dollar spent at a local business will yield 40-60% more back into the local economy than spent elsewhere, according to economic researchers.Buy it*Downtown is grateful to all the many corporate buyers and shoppers who have purchased and spent cards in support of  downtown merchants.  Plans are to continue to grow card sales and services and to generate millions more for the local Chattanooga economy.

]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:46:41 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.59.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.55.3



Buy it*Downtown Merchant Gets Recognized
U.S. Small Business Administration Names Niedlov's Tennessee's Small Business Of 2010


The U.S. Small Business Association has announced that John Sweet of Niedlov's Breadworks is Tennessee's Small Business Person of the Year.

Citing Mr. Sweet's hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to the Chattanooga community, the Administration will honor Niedlov's during Small Business Week events in Washington, D.C. this May. Co-sponsors of the events include Visa, Ford, Google, eBay, Lockheed Martin and other leading American corporations.

The bakery supports local food economy, promoting the use of local ingredients and selling to local restaurants from its earliest days - helping endorse local farmers, chefs and grocers' commitment to local and organic foods.

Niedlov's is also directly related to the engagement of small businesses throughout Chattanooga's developing Southside, where its Main Street bakery and store serve as an anchor business, helping encourage creative companies, restaurants and start-ups to act with bravery and confidence.

"We are proud to have been a part of Chattanooga's revival over the past several years," said Mr. Sweet. "As Chattanooga continues to develop its reputation as a forward thinking city, we are excited to be an active member of its business and food communities. This is a place ripe with opportunity and growth potential in many areas of civic and business life."

Founded in 2002 by John and Angela Sweet, Niedlov's Breadworks is Chattanooga's local, independent, artisan bread bakery. The company specializes in naturally leavened, organic, hand-crafted, artisan breads, which it sells in local restaurants, grocery stores and from its bakery and cafe at 215 East Main Street.


learn more about Niedlov's - click here
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Buy it*Downtown Merchant Gets Recognized
U.S. Small Business Administration Names Niedlov's Tennessee's Small Business Of 2010


The U.S. Small Business Association has announced that John Sweet of Niedlov's Breadworks is Tennessee's Small Business Person of the Year.

Citing Mr. Sweet's hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to the Chattanooga community, the Administration will honor Niedlov's during Small Business Week events in Washington, D.C. this May. Co-sponsors of the events include Visa, Ford, Google, eBay, Lockheed Martin and other leading American corporations.

The bakery supports local food economy, promoting the use of local ingredients and selling to local restaurants from its earliest days - helping endorse local farmers, chefs and grocers' commitment to local and organic foods.

Niedlov's is also directly related to the engagement of small businesses throughout Chattanooga's developing Southside, where its Main Street bakery and store serve as an anchor business, helping encourage creative companies, restaurants and start-ups to act with bravery and confidence.

"We are proud to have been a part of Chattanooga's revival over the past several years," said Mr. Sweet. "As Chattanooga continues to develop its reputation as a forward thinking city, we are excited to be an active member of its business and food communities. This is a place ripe with opportunity and growth potential in many areas of civic and business life."

Founded in 2002 by John and Angela Sweet, Niedlov's Breadworks is Chattanooga's local, independent, artisan bread bakery. The company specializes in naturally leavened, organic, hand-crafted, artisan breads, which it sells in local restaurants, grocery stores and from its bakery and cafe at 215 East Main Street.


learn more about Niedlov's - click here
]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:40:50 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.55.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.52.3


  
  


be eligible to win
just for becoming one
of our first 1,500 facebook fans or twitter followers--
then be eligible to win weekly
in our downtown trivia contests
 
* * * * * * * * * * *




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be eligible to win
just for becoming one
of our first 1,500 facebook fans or twitter followers--
then be eligible to win weekly
in our downtown trivia contests
 
* * * * * * * * * * *




]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:52:06 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.52.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.51.3
Chattanooga Downtown Card Bright Spot in Local EconomyIncrease in Buy it*Downtown Card Spending Ten Times National Average


Chattanooga, Tenn. January 7, 2010  - Buy it*Downtown, Chattanooga’s downtown shopping card had 2009 holiday sales that were ten times national consumer spending trends. MasterCard and ShopperTrak reported national consumer spending up 1.00%-1.6% in 2009 over 2008 for November-December 24^th.  For the same time period, Buy it*Downtown of Chattanooga reports sales of its downtown card for spending at local merchants increased 17%, a 963%-1,600% increase over national consumer spending trends.Buy it*Downtown has kept more than $750,000 in the Chattanooga economy to date.  Additionally, Buy it*Local, LLC, parent company and developer of the Buy it*Downtown program reported spending of the downtown stored value cards increased 68% over 2008 for December.“The double and triple digit increases we have seen in Buy it*Downtown Chattanooga during the holidays and throughout 2009 is evidence that Chattanoogans want to support our local businesses,” said Amy Walker Cherry, Founder and CEO of Buy it*Downtown and Buy it Local.  “Because of this program, three-quarters of a million dollars will be spent with local merchants rather than sent off to banking or corporate headquarters, ” she added.  The Buy it*Downtown card in Chattanooga, Tennessee  is accepted at 70 locations in downtown Chattanooga.  Giving and spending Buy it*Downtown cards guarantee the money will be spent locally.“Prepaid Visa, Mastercard and American Express Cards can be spent on the other side of the world if the cardholder wants to…unfortunately that won’t do our local economy or local businesses much good,” said Amy Walker Cherry.  “ Buy it*Downtown cards were a big hit this year as employee incentive programs, customer rewards and teacher appreciation because they support our local businesses and still give the card holder many locations to enjoy their gift.”###About Buy it*LocalThrough it’s Buy it*Cards® products and services, Buy it*®Local, LLC creates custom, private electronic networks that connects local merchant locations for processing stored value cards specific to the community.   Every card that is purchased and spent at participating locations is tracked.  The data enables local card program operators to estimate economic impact that cards are making.  The program can be scaled to fit any community size and keep its dollars local.Web Sites for additional information:  www.buyitdowntown.com, www.buyitcards.com
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Chattanooga Downtown Card Bright Spot in Local EconomyIncrease in Buy it*Downtown Card Spending Ten Times National Average


Chattanooga, Tenn. January 7, 2010  - Buy it*Downtown, Chattanooga’s downtown shopping card had 2009 holiday sales that were ten times national consumer spending trends. MasterCard and ShopperTrak reported national consumer spending up 1.00%-1.6% in 2009 over 2008 for November-December 24^th.  For the same time period, Buy it*Downtown of Chattanooga reports sales of its downtown card for spending at local merchants increased 17%, a 963%-1,600% increase over national consumer spending trends.Buy it*Downtown has kept more than $750,000 in the Chattanooga economy to date.  Additionally, Buy it*Local, LLC, parent company and developer of the Buy it*Downtown program reported spending of the downtown stored value cards increased 68% over 2008 for December.“The double and triple digit increases we have seen in Buy it*Downtown Chattanooga during the holidays and throughout 2009 is evidence that Chattanoogans want to support our local businesses,” said Amy Walker Cherry, Founder and CEO of Buy it*Downtown and Buy it Local.  “Because of this program, three-quarters of a million dollars will be spent with local merchants rather than sent off to banking or corporate headquarters, ” she added.  The Buy it*Downtown card in Chattanooga, Tennessee  is accepted at 70 locations in downtown Chattanooga.  Giving and spending Buy it*Downtown cards guarantee the money will be spent locally.“Prepaid Visa, Mastercard and American Express Cards can be spent on the other side of the world if the cardholder wants to…unfortunately that won’t do our local economy or local businesses much good,” said Amy Walker Cherry.  “ Buy it*Downtown cards were a big hit this year as employee incentive programs, customer rewards and teacher appreciation because they support our local businesses and still give the card holder many locations to enjoy their gift.”###About Buy it*LocalThrough it’s Buy it*Cards® products and services, Buy it*®Local, LLC creates custom, private electronic networks that connects local merchant locations for processing stored value cards specific to the community.   Every card that is purchased and spent at participating locations is tracked.  The data enables local card program operators to estimate economic impact that cards are making.  The program can be scaled to fit any community size and keep its dollars local.Web Sites for additional information:  www.buyitdowntown.com, www.buyitcards.com
]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:25:45 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.51.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.50.3 Congratulations! 

Congratulations to Blue Cross Employee Cynthia Cash!! She became the $500 winner of the Buy it*Downtown Share the Love Sweepstakes. Cynthia was automatically enrolled in the contest online when she registered the numbers for three cards she bought for others this year.  Cynthia bought cards for a family member and two people at work for holiday gifts.  Now, she is the winner with $500 extra to spend this holiday season!! Thanks for supporting downtown merchants this season---- Cynthia does not exactly know what she will spend her prize money on just yet.  She has two children and one grandchild that might get something extra this season.  However, she was intersted in maybe a special night out or dinner with her husband....plus, maybe even some furniture.  Who knows!  Cynthia looks forward to discovering the many different ways she can spend her downtown bucks on her Buy it*Downtown card. Congratulations-- IT PAYS TO BUY IT*DOWNTOWN!

]]> Congratulations! 

Congratulations to Blue Cross Employee Cynthia Cash!! She became the $500 winner of the Buy it*Downtown Share the Love Sweepstakes. Cynthia was automatically enrolled in the contest online when she registered the numbers for three cards she bought for others this year.  Cynthia bought cards for a family member and two people at work for holiday gifts.  Now, she is the winner with $500 extra to spend this holiday season!! Thanks for supporting downtown merchants this season---- Cynthia does not exactly know what she will spend her prize money on just yet.  She has two children and one grandchild that might get something extra this season.  However, she was intersted in maybe a special night out or dinner with her husband....plus, maybe even some furniture.  Who knows!  Cynthia looks forward to discovering the many different ways she can spend her downtown bucks on her Buy it*Downtown card. Congratulations-- IT PAYS TO BUY IT*DOWNTOWN!

]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:56:44 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.50.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.49.3 S
Source:  Times Free Press 12.19.2009
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Source:  Times Free Press 12.19.2009
]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:54:38 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.49.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.48.3

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]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:47:24 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.48.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.47.3 Check out our newest feature: the new Downtown Events & Special Calendar.  Click on "Events & Specials" in the Main Menu (after "Buy Online").  Find an easy-to-navigate calendar of events taking place at our merchant locations.

We will be updating items regularly so check back often--

Now, don't stress going from website to website trying to find out if there's anything special going on downtown.  Just check in with Buy it*Downtown and get the scoop on what's happening downtown!
]]> Check out our newest feature: the new Downtown Events & Special Calendar.  Click on "Events & Specials" in the Main Menu (after "Buy Online").  Find an easy-to-navigate calendar of events taking place at our merchant locations.

We will be updating items regularly so check back often--

Now, don't stress going from website to website trying to find out if there's anything special going on downtown.  Just check in with Buy it*Downtown and get the scoop on what's happening downtown!
]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:18:30 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.47.3 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.44.3
Congratulations to Ginger Duggan.  She had the winning card number from this morning's Downtown Council Chamber Meeting. Ginger works in Business Development at Chatt State. 

It pays to have a Buy it*Downtown card.... and this morning, it definitely paid Ginger to be a part of Chattanooga's Downtown Council.

Do remember if you buy any gifts this holiday or if you offer any customer or employee rewards throughout the year--- Buy it*Downtown cards are the hottest, coolest thing to give.... and they help local businesses and our local economy too.

]]>
Congratulations to Ginger Duggan.  She had the winning card number from this morning's Downtown Council Chamber Meeting. Ginger works in Business Development at Chatt State. 

It pays to have a Buy it*Downtown card.... and this morning, it definitely paid Ginger to be a part of Chattanooga's Downtown Council.

Do remember if you buy any gifts this holiday or if you offer any customer or employee rewards throughout the year--- Buy it*Downtown cards are the hottest, coolest thing to give.... and they help local businesses and our local economy too.

]]> Breaking News BID_Admin Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:02:28 -0700 http://www.buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.44.3