The Houston and District Chamber of Commerce is redesigning its popular Houston merchants gift certificate program with the goal of unveiling the new look this spring.
The move follows the gift certificate program passing through the $1 million sales mark in December of last year.
“I am truly humbled by the overwhelming response from our community and extremely proud of the initiative’s success,” said chamber chair Amber Oevering of passing the $1 million sales level.
“The community’s dedication to keeping our town in business by keeping your business in town is truly commendable.”
Started by a local merchants association, the chamber assumed management of the gift certificate program in 2010 with sales increasing as the years went by.
Going into the 2023 Christmas season, the program had already reached $966,000 in sales with District of Houston mayor Shane Brienen congratulating the chamber last November for its ongoing efforts to keep shopping dollars within the community.
In 2022 alone, the gift certificate program brought in $93,390.
A chamber press release recognized the contributions of local businesses in promoting the program and purchasing gift certificates for their employees.
“These efforts strengthen the bond between businesses and their workforce and plays a vital role in helping our community’s economy,” the release stated.
And although the chamber is redesigning the program, already-purchased certificates will continue to be honoured. They have no expiry date.
The chamber is also organizing a trade show, set for April 19 and April 20 at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena. The redesign may be ready by then although details are still being worked out.