Matthews Chamber Of Commerce

 

 

Why Go 2 Matthews?

While more than 27,000 residents call Matthews NC ‘home’, it is also ‘home’ to thousands of businesses.  These local companies, both large and small, in a variety of industries, are the backbone of our economy. 

 

Sponsored by the Matthews Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Matthews, Go 2 Matthews is a fun way of showing appreciation to local businesses while encouraging consumers to support them with their commerce. 

 

By some estimates, 75% of all dollars spent locally, STAY local.

• Creating jobs
• Reinvesting in community development
• Supporting schools and infrastructure
• Contributing to churches and non-profit groups

 

In this globally-connected economy, we have many choices in where we spend our money.  When you have a choice, Go 2 Matthews!

 

 

How does Go 2 Matthews work?

Running from Sept. 8 to Oct. 20, 2009, we encourage all area consumers to look for opportunities to shop local businesses and pay for their transactions with $2 bills. 

 

The $2 bill is a very legitimate, though unusual form of U.S. currency.  We’ll watch the volume of $2 bills flow through the local economy, offering a visual demonstration of the power of shopping local. Help keep this Matthews Money circulating!

  

Matthews Chamber of Commerce members will exchange their own cash for $2 bills at the Chamber’s Sept. 8 monthly luncheon meeting www.matthewschamber.com/rsvp  

 

All other area residents or business owners can exchange cash for $2 bills at participating area bank offices:

 

• Bank of Granite – 2432 McKee Road, Matthews
• Wachovia – 1401 Matthews – Mint Hill Road, Matthews
• RBC Bank – 110 Matthews Station Street, Ste 1-F, Matthews

 

Many local businesses will be offering special discounts to anyone who transacts with a $2 bill or, if a cash transaction is not practical, shows a $2 bill as a coupon.

 

 

How can a business owner participate in G2M?

There are many ways you can play in G2M.  Here are a few ideas.

 

• Exchange some of your own currency for $2 bills at participating local bank offices: Bank of Granite, Wachovia, RBC Bank – Matthews branches only.  Shop local businesses yourself.  Give out $2 bills in change.
  
  
• Pick up G2M buttons, stickers and tent cards at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce office or call 704-847-3649  to have them brought out to you. Wear your buttons and stickers, and display your tent cards to help educate consumers on what G2M is all about.
  
  
• Get creative and offer a discount or special gift to anyone who does business with you using $2 bills.  Forward your discount offers to the Matthews Chamber of Commerce info@matthewschamber.com and we’ll post them here for all to see!
  
  
• Transacting with cash not practical?  Consider offering a discount for anyone who shows a $2 bill as a coupon. It’s up to you.  Have fun with G2M!
  
  
• Share your G2M experiences with customers and other businesses by emailing us at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce: info@matthewschamber.com

• Not a member of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce?  Not a problem.  We welcome your participation in G2M also.  And we would also like to invite you to join us at one of our future meetings or after-hours events.  Call or write the Chamber office for more information.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What businesses are considered to be ‘local’?

While we value and appreciate all businesses that have a local presence, the Go 2 Matthews campaign intends to promote commerce with locally headquartered and/or locally-owned businesses.  This will include most small businesses, as well as many franchised businesses.  If you are in doubt, just ask if the business is locally owned.

 

 

Why the $2 bill?

 

Though rare in circulation, the $2 bill is legitimate U.S. currency.  Traditionally, because of its unusual nature, when a $2 bill is exchanged it causes one to pause and consider it further.  We chose the $2 bill to give area consumers pause to consider the importance and value of supporting local businesses. 

 

 

What is the role of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce?

 

The Matthews Chamber of Commerce exists to support area business and community.  Consisting of nearly 450 area businesses and non-profit organizations, its mission is to:

 

·         Provide best-in-class professional opportunities that promote education, networking, business growth and development.

·         Build collaborative relationships and community partnerships throughout the Greater Matthews region to create an optimal business climate.

·         Deliver on-going value to our members while maintaining our relationship-oriented, small town character.

 

 

How else can I support local businesses?

 

There are many ways to support local businesses, beyond simply shopping them first.  For example, many small retail business owners would prefer that consumers pay for their transaction with either cash or debit cards.  Credit card fees paid by the retailer can

really eat in to their profits.  Also, local businesses greatly value your referrals and recommendations.  Many internet search engines enable consumers to write ‘reviews’ of local businesses.  Pass along your recommendations to others!

 

 

More Questions about Go 2 Matthews?

Call the Matthews Chamber of Commerce at 704-847-3649 or email us at info@MatthewsChamber.com .

Did you….

• Pay for a local product or service with a $2 bill?

Great!  You’ve helped create local jobs and supported local schools and infrastructure.  And that’s good for all of us!

• Receive $2 bills in change?

Don’t worry, it’s real money.  You received it because someone else also thought it was important to shop local businesses.  Use it yourself at another local business and continue to support the local economy!

Let’s invest in our community…2-gether.