Franklin County hopes to stimulate economy with small business gift card match program

DEERFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In an effort to boost sales at small businesses, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has launched a gift card promotion beginning on Wednesday.
In a news release from the Chamber, they have teamed up with Gagne Wealth Management Group, which is donating up to $10,000 to match every $25 Franklin County Gift Card purchase. The gift cards double the amount being spent at local shops, restaurants, and service providers.
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'Programs like this remind us that supporting local doesn't have to be complicated. When we come together—businesses, nonprofits, residents—we can create real economic change,' said Jessye Deane, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. 'This is a chance to give a gift with purpose and make our money matter more. If you're thinking about buying one, don't wait. The Gagne Wealth Gift Cards will go fast.'
The Franklin County Gift Cards can be purchased online at franklincc.org, by phone, or in person at the Chamber office in Deerfield. The list of participating businesses is expected to grow.
'This community thrives when we invest in one another,' said Merrill Gagne, Founder of Gagne Wealth Management Group. 'By powering local prosperity through this initiative, we hope to encourage neighbors to rally around the small businesses that keep our downtowns vibrant and our economy strong. It's not just a gift card—it's an investment in Franklin County's future. If this promotion helps more folks shop local, try a new place, or support a neighbor, then we've done something good together.'
Pictured: Jessye Deane, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Tourism Council Executive Director, and Merrill Gagne, Gagne Wealth Management Group Founder, hold the new Gagne Wealth Gift Card. (Courtesy: Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Regional Tourism Council)
'Investing in our local business community and keeping our dollars local is now more important than ever, and this matching gift card program allows those dollars to go further,' said Chris Sellers, Franklin County Chamber Board Member and Co-Owner of the Brewery at Four Star Farms. 'Investing in our local business community is the path to continue growing our vibrant small business economy right here in Franklin County.'
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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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