KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather SportsSpend it in Chanute

Spend it in Chanute

CHANUTE, KS - A Southeast Kansas city offers perks to residents who shop in town. Many travel to bigger cities for holiday shopping, but Chanute, Kansas wants to change that.

The program is called "Spend it in Chanute."

Here's how it works. Shop at two or more stores within the city limits of Chanute, Kansas for a total of $200 - and you get 20 bucks toward your next shopping trip.

City Manager J.D. Lester says "We all have a tendency as consumers to think well let's go to the big city to shop. And when they shop they shop for more than just the big items, they shop for all the ancillary things too and we just want them to think about staying home first."

Lester says the city works with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Chanute to lead the program through it's first year. The money for the $20 investment gift certificates will come from a $25,000 fund from the city. Lester says it's a worthy cause.

"We felt like sales tax dollars are a major contributor to the general fund and it supports things like the fire department and the police department and parks all very worthy causes. And a lot of times people don't associate that we have those expenses and where the revenue comes from to support those expenses."

And it seems to be working. At Cleaver Farm and Home and throughout the city merchants say shoppers are staying within the city limits.

"the city really stepped up to the plate and put together an impressive amount of money to give out to people for shopping here in chanute and so far it seems to be pretty successful," says co-owner Chris Cleaver.

He says his True Value store often compete with places like Home Depot. He hopes the investment gift certificate persuade shoppers to stop into his family owned business.

"the consumer gets the extra 20 bucks or 40 bucks and the retailer also get the benefit of them shopping with them instead and then their also going to get the benefit of them spending that extra 20 dollars back with them again," says Cleaver.

The program continues until Christmas Day and you don't have to be a Chanute resident to participate.

Just remember to keep your receipts.

By Nina Criscuolo

The following is the rules and regulations provided by the City of Chanute, Chanute Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Chanute for the program:

What Are the Dates I Can Shop and Be Eligible for a Investment Gift Certificate?November 27, 2009 through December 25, 2009

How Long Do I Have to Turn In Receipts to Receive a Investment Gift Certificate?November 30, 2009 through January 4, 2010

Which Shoppers are Eligible for Investment Gift Certificates?Anyone who shops at a Chanute retail outlet that generates sales tax for Chanute.

What Merchants are Participating in the Program?All retailers within the city limits of Chanute have been invited to participate in the program.

What is the Amount I Can Spend? You must spend at least $200 total during the designated shopping time period. A total of only $100 from any one store will be credited toward the gift certificate. If you spend a total of $200, you are eligible for one $20 investment gift certificate.

Is Everyone in My Family Eligible for Investment Gift Certificates?Everyone is eligible, BUT there is a limit of two $20 investment gift certificates per household for a total of $40 in investment gift certificates per household. In addition, a total of $25,000 has been allocated to this program. When that amount has been dispersed in investment gift certificates, the program will end no matter what the actual date.

Where Can I Spend My Investment Gift Certificate?All retailers within the city limits of Chanute that pay local sales tax have been invited to participate in the program.

Do the Investment Gift Certificates Expire?Yes, they will expire on January 31, 2010. No exceptions will be made. Retailers who accept the gift certificates have until February 15, 2010 to turn in the gift certificates for reimbursement.

What Purchases are Eligible for Investment Gift Certificates?All purchases at a local Chanute retailer EXCEPT groceries, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, tobacco and liquor are eligible to count toward the $200 total.

How Do I Get a Investment Gift Certificate?YOU are responsible for keeping your receipts and turning them in for a investment gift certificate. The retailer is not involved in this process. The steps are:

1. Keep Your Receipts!!

2. Review your receipts and mark off any items that are excluded as listed above. The items must have generated sales tax to be eligible.

3. Original receipts can be redeemed at the Chamber office, 21 N. Lincoln, between the hours of 12 ] 4 p.m. Monday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. ] Noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Original receipts will be kept by the managing organizations.

4. You will need to show a driver's license or other ID listing your address at the time of redemption. Records will be kept of those who turn in receipts.

5. If your receipts are approved per these guidelines, then you will receive your investment gift certificate at that time.

Investment gift certificates will be given in $10 increments up to the amount allowed.

6. You have until January 31, 2010 to spend the investment gift certificate.

DISCLAIMER: The Chanute Investment Gift Certificates Program Fund is limited to $25,000. Receipts will be accepted only until the funds are expended. No exceptions will be made to the dates and information in these guidelines. All decisions regarding receipts eligible for the program made by the managing organizations are final. Original receipts must be turned in and will be kept by the managing organizations.