The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses throughout the Muskegon Lakeshore community to launch a new currency called Lakeshore Community Cash. This program provides Muskegon residents and businesses an easy platform for gift-giving that keeps cash circulating throughout the community.

The program launched last week with 45 participating merchants throughout the Muskegon Lakeshore and nearly $1,000 in Community Cash Certificates have already been purchased. “This new gift certificate program really showcases the quality of merchants we have located throughout our community,” says Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

The community gift certificate program is being launched just before the holidays so those who want to give local gifts this year have an easy way in which to do so. “Hundreds of companies recognize their employees and/or clients’ during the holiday season and this program provides them with an easy platform in which the recipient chooses the actual gift and the money stays local,” Larsen adds.

If all of the 178,000 residents in Muskegon County spend $100 at locally owned businesses, $10.5 million would circulate back in to the local economy. This is because every time a dollar is spent at a local business it circulates quickly throughout the community creating jobs that contribute to the tax revenue and benefit us all.

Lakeshore Community Cash certificates can be purchased in denominations of $5, $10, $20 or $25 and are available online at www.muskegon.org. Once purchased, the certificates can be printed or emailed to a recipient and are then valid at any participating local business. Businesses interested in participating in the program are encouraged to call the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce at 231-722-3751 or mlcc@muskegon.org.