Buy Local Buy BC Gift Card Stimulus Program returns for the 2021 holiday season

As the holiday shopping season approaches, Consumers Energy is helping community members stretch their dollars while also supporting small businesses.

Beginning Dec. 7, individuals will be able to purchase a $25 gift card and receive a free $25 gift card to that same business. 

Consumers Energy is supporting the Buy Local Buy BC gift card stimulus program in Bay County. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay Future Inc.  launched the program in June of 2020. Consumers Energy’s Our Town program supported the gift card initiative.

“Consumers Energy is excited to again support Michigan’s small businesses and communities we serve this holiday season,” says Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumer Energy’s Vice President of Customer Experience. “Our Town made an impact across Michigan last year, and we look forward to seeing the program’s dollars and shoppers give a boost to shops and restaurants in their hometowns.”

In 2020, the gift card stimulus program sold out in just minutes. The Buy Local Buy BC Gift Card Stimulus Program had a nearly $250,000 direct impact on about 80 retail, restaurant, and service businesses in Bay County.

The 2021 “Our Town” promotion starts  Dec.  7 at noon. Gift cards are available only online. A link to order them will be posted on the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and the Bay Future Inc. Facebook page. Buyers are limited to five gift cards.

The gift cards are available on a “first come-first serve” basis while supplies last, and individuals may only purchase gift cards from a single business per transaction. 

The total anticipated financial impact on Bay County small businesses is over $35,000.