Gulf County Chamber of Commerce

Helping our business members survive these difficult economic times is the No. 1 priority of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce. Since the support of local shoppers is vital to the success of many of our businesses, the Chamber is putting together a “Buy Gulf” campaign. The Port St. Joe Redevelopment Agency and the City of Port St. Joe are partnering with us in this vital initiative.

What is Buy Gulf? Buy Gulf is a campaign to encourage people to think before they spend and spend where they live. The campaign will include the creation of window stickers and signs to remind people to “Buy Gulf.”

While small business owners here know how much they contribute to a variety of community organizations including school groups, athletic teams, and nonprofits, not everyone understands how much these organizations rely on the generosity of local business owners to survive.

To kick off Buy Gulf, the Chamber, with assistance from the PSJRA and the City of Port St. Joe, is organizing a contest, starting May 1, that’s designed to encourage residents to shop in Gulf County and to promote Chamber member businesses.

How does it work? During the eight weeks of the Buy Gulf contest, receipts from any Gulf County business can be redeemed for a ticket to enter a drawing for a gift certificate from a participating Chamber member.

For every receipt of $5.00 or more (10 receipts per person per visit) brought to the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce, shoppers will receive a drawing ticket. If they bring a donation of nonperishable food for the Gulf County Senior Citizens Friends Helping Friends, they’ll get an extra ticket.

What’s in it for me? People will be sent to www.gulfchamber.org to learn about the contest and shopping locally, and to find out the winning numbers. You can also send in coupons for people to receive with drawing tickets and to be available on-line. All these free opportunities will raise your business profile and drive new customers your way.

Members who provide gift certificates also will get their logo and a link to their web site on the on the Buy Gulf section of www.gulfchamber.org .

Be a local star! Another benefit provided at no cost to Chamber members is the option to appear in a brief video, shot at your business, where you can speak on the importance of shopping locally. Your video will run on www.gulfchamber.org. Of if you prefer, we can post your photo with comments. Contact us to schedule. Space and volunteers are limited.

What do I do? Watch for more updates via e-mail. Donate a gift certificate. Send us a list of all the local groups – nonprofits, churches, school groups, athletic teams, etc – you support either through direct or in-kind donations. Schedule time to tell your story on video, put a Buy Gulf logo in your window, in your advertising and on your web site.