The Metro Independent Business Alliance (MetroIBA) wants you to celebrate your independent locally owned businesses throughout July and has created a month-long promotion to encourage Twin Cities residents to do just that.
Twenty-five Twin Cities merchants are participating in the MetroIBA’s “Celebrate Your Independents” program, including area stores Micawber’s Books, the Bibelot Shops, Peapods, Warners’ Stellian and Gingko Coffeehouse. Merchants are offering a variety of in-store discounts, and participants may enter a drawing by registering online.
Four winners will each receive $600 in gifts cards to participating businesses.
Here’s how it works: Go to www.buylocaltwincities.com to register and to print out the Celebrate Your Independents brochure, which features a passport that contains the 25 special merchant offers. When you register, you will be entered into the drawing.
Participants will get more chances to enter the drawing by visiting each store, where they will receive a code that will allow them to enter the drawing again.
A person could potentially enter the drawing 26 times. No purchase is necessary, but participants get one entry per person per store.
The merchant offerings are valid July 1-31.
A drawing to determine the winners will be held at the MetroIBA’s August networking event on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Milton Square in St. Anthony Park.
MetroIBA is a nonprofit organization working to support and preserve locally owned, independent businesses in the Twin Cities. Its mission is to help the Twin Cities maintain its unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs and build economic strength.