A RIVERLAND council is providing residents with special vouchers to encourage spending at local businesses dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 and stimulate the district’s economy.
Loxton Chamber of Commerce business and events manager Sonya Altschwager said the $200,000 initiative was a “win-win” for local residents and businesses.
“It’s free money for people to put back into the local community,” she said.
“The vouchers are a win-win, because the local businesses get the benefit of more customers and residents get to spend some money – some much-needed money at this difficult time.
“There are still some vouchers available, but it’s great that they can only be used at the members of the chambers of commerce to make sure the money stays in the local communities.”
Ms Altschwager said the Loxton business sector had so far fared well against the impacts of COVID-19.
“Local businesses aren’t doing too bad,” she said.
“It’s challenging across the board, but we in Loxton haven’t been hit too hard by COVID-19.
“The Loxton Chamber of Commerce has just finished our membership drive for 2020-21 and we have the most members now that we’ve ever had due to a record response, which is fantastic.
“That also means that with these vouchers people have more choice about where to spend.
“There are nearly 160 local businesses that are members of the chamber now where people can spend their vouchers.
“The vouchers can also be spent at Riverland West Chamber of Commerce members as well, so the benefit reaches across the district.”
Almost half of the 2000 available vouchers had already been sold as of last Friday.
To purchase a voucher, visit the council’s offices in Loxton or Waikerie.