OGDENSBURG -- The Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Dollars program, aimed at increasing local shopping, has gained a number of participating merchants.

Chamber Dollars are much like a gift card or gift certificate. They are actually a check from the Chamber of Commerce that can be used at participating businesses throughout the community.

Chamber Dollars encourage people to shop locally, strengthening the local economy and supporting business growth. It also keeps tax revenues local, chamber officials note.

If each family in the greater Ogdensburg area spent only $100 of their holiday food and gift money on local products, or at locally owned businesses that showcase North Country products, they would put $2.5 million into the North Country economy, chamber officials say.

To date the following businesses have said they will accept Chamber Dollars: Duty Free Americas offering an additional 10% discount on purchases using Chamber Dollars, Basta’s Flowers & Gifts, Jrecks Subs, Ford Street, Gary & Aileens Hairstyling offering 10 percent discount on hair products, Kinney Drugs, Gardner’s Flooring & Furniture, Create-A-Can, The Elegant Lady offering a 25 percent discount, Oscar’s Sports Bar, Farrands Flowers & Gifts offering 10 percent discount, Fashion Bug offering $10 off a $40 or more purchase, Lowes, WalMart and Phillips Diner.

If your business would like to participate, contact the chamber office at 393-3620 or stop at the office at 1 Bridge Plaza, at the foot of the bridge to Canada, for more information. There is no cost to participate. Businesses will be listed on the chamber’s website, on a rack card included with each check purchase, and included in the monthly newsletter.

To become a “featured” business, offer a small incentive for people to spend their Chamber Dollars at you business. For example, you might offer 10 percent discount or give away a free soda with a meal, for instance.