Sarah Pratt, the Chinook Chamber Secretary and Communications Director, talked to the “Journal” recently from the Chamber’s office on Indiana Street in Chinook. During the summer the Chamber is opening the organization’s office from 8-10 am, Monday through Friday. Pratt said, “Having the office open is kind of a trial run for the summer. Our hope is we will be able to serve some tourists who stop to visit our town and area.” Pratt also had other news about updated and totally new programs.

Bonus Coupon Books

The Chamber launched its first Bonus Coupon Book program last year, on an experimental basis. Only 100 books were available as the new program was introduced. It’s a popular program around the country, but last year was the first time it had been tried in Chinook. The purpose of the bonus coupon program is to provide an incentive for consumers to do business with local chamber members.

Pratt said the bonus coupon books also adds value to Chamber membership. There was no cost to the chamber member businesses to list offers in the bonus coupon books. Each business decided what type of incentive best reflected its business product or service and Pratt said some merchants will be tracking the number of coupons they redeem to see the effects of the bonus coupon program.

The new Bonus Coupon Books have been available since early June. The format for the books is new and designers hope it’s cleaner and simpler design will make it easier for book purchasers to quickly find coupons they can use. There are 42 coupons, representing 42 different business and the services and products they offer. Last year’s offers are now invalid and the new books are good through April, 2017.

Readers can purchase the bonus coupon books at the Chamber Office from 8 am to 10 am, downtown on Indiana Street during the summer. Books are also available at American Garage, east of town on Highway 2, and at Shore’s Floral and Gift on Indiana Street. The cost of the books is $20 and the value of the coupons is $625 for businesses and services.

Welcome Banners for light posts in Chinook

Pratt said, “The Chamber has been looking at ways we can give the town some personality and make it more welcoming for tourists to stop. One of the new ideas we’re considering is purchase of welcome “banners” that will be mounted on the city’s light poles.” One idea is to have local businesses, individuals or families ‘sponsor’ the banners through a purchase program. The banner would have a welcome message and also show the name of the sponsor.

Soon the Chamber will be erecting an example of the new banners on a light pole in front of the downtown Chamber office, so folks can see how the banners will appear. Pratt laughed and said, “The example we are getting has “Farmers’ Market” printed on it. We hope our locals will check out the banner and not think we have started a farmers’ market in town.”

Pratt added, “Anyone who is interested in the banner program is welcome to attend the next chamber program when some final details of the banner program will be decided. We’re looking for input about the program.” That meeting will be August 4, at 6 pm, at the Chamber office downtown. There will also be information on the Chamber’s Facebook page at: chinookareachamber or on the website at: chinookmontana.com. No computer? Call the chamber at 357-4201. Additional ideas about the new banner program are welcome.

One more reminder from the Chamber, the After Hours program starts again after no event in July. The next After Hours will be hosted by the Wildlife Museum on the evening of August 11. After Hours programs are open to the public and run from 6 am to 8 pm.