Chamber of America CEO, John Horning, is pleased to announce an exciting new program that is designed to stimulate the economies of local communities through a weekly sweepstakes.
Horning said in a statement that his organization is seeking partner associations in cities across the U.S. to bring the service to their local communities, and to share in revenue generated.
The program, named “LocalStakes“, which comes from combining “local” and “sweepstakes”, is managed by local business leaders using software created by the Chamber of America’s development team, and is designed to help small businesses develop a stronger connection with the people in their local communities.
“We know that people enjoy receiving special offers from local businesses, and by adding the sweepstakes element, we’re able to take it to a whole new level”, says Horning, and adds “this is something we’ve been working on for a long time and we think we’ve come up with a solution that is a strong win for all parties involved”.
At it’s core, LocalStakes is a weekly sweepstakes, run on a local level, with prizes donated by small businesses in the community.
“By pooling many small prizes, we can turn the sweepstakes into an exciting event without putting a burden on any one business”, Horning explained. “In fact, the sweepstakes can get off the ground with as few as 5 or 6 prizes valued as low as $10 each, provided they are something people want”, he added.
One winner is selected each week in each community, and receives all the prizes donated that week by the local businesses. All contestants can expect to receive an email on the same day every week announcing a new winner.
“By running the sweepstakes every week, we build momentum with more and more people becoming aware of it and signing up”, says Horning. “People can look forward to the possibility of winning something every week, without any effort or expense on their part”, and adds “our emails are so much better than the typical promotional email that gets ignored or lost. People will actually look forward to receiving our email every week”.
Even sweepstakes losers get something – coupons and special offers from the same businesses that donated prizes for the week. Participating business will be able to submit as many offers as they want.
“The effect is that over time, you build brand awareness and loyalty for the participating merchants”, explained Horning. “People want to support their local businesses, but they need to be made aware of them and what they offer, and then be reminded regularly. It’s a relationship building process”.
What does it cost? There’s no cost to enter the sweepstakes, which is open to everyone. Participating merchants are expected to donate one prize per week with a minimum retail value of $10 each, plus there’s a weekly maintenance fee of $8 to $10. Included in this is the option to submit as many coupons or other offers as they want, which will be sent to everyone who has signed up for the sweepstakes.
The partnering organization, which will typically be a chamber of commerce, is not expected to pay anything, but will share in income generated by the program.
The Chamber of America works in partnership with local chambers of commerce and other business associations to bring LocalStakes to local communities. “Our partner associations don’t need to do much more than introduce the concept to their local communities”, says Horning “but nevertheless their role is critical.
We have the tools and our partners have the connections to make this a success”, and adds “we treat our partners as equals and therefore split income equally with them.” He estimated that annual revenue for the business association could be over $10,000, depending on the level of participation.
How is it a win for everyone? Consumers get a chance to win something and also receive some great offers. Local businesses benefit from constant exposure and the good will generated, and business associations receive a new revenue stream. Plus, LocalStakes can be considered a member benefit for the association which will help attract new members and keep existing ones.
For more information contact Chamber of America or visit LocalStakes.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Chamber of America
Contact Person: John Horning
Email: john@chamberofamerica.com
Phone: 13309611101
Address:2300 Diamond Mesa Trail SW 8905
City: Albuquerque
State: NM
Country: United States
Website: http://chamberofamerica.com