They’re back. The Mason Downtown District Authority is bringing back DDA gift cards to spend at downtown businesses.
Monday, the DDA announced the gift cards are coming back for purchase. The DDA office is issuing only 1,000 gift cards to the public to help small businesses within the area. Sales started March 19 and will go until they are sold out.
Mason DDA member Jamie Robinson described many incentives not only for customers who get the gift card, but also all the businesses taking participating with the incentives. “With this, not only will the customer receive a $35 card but the business as well, will receive $35 from the investment” said Robinson.
Currently, there are 20 businesses participating and the gift card program in total will infuse more than $105,000 through the DDA. This will be the third round of gift cards going out as the city sees continued success with the incentives. The incentive was implemented to assist businesses with hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mason is one of many trying this incentive program. Cities such as Tucson, Arizona, have implemented this to help businesses. Robinson said City Manager Deborah Stuart “had learned of a similar program from a friend who lives and works in Tucson, Arizona. Deborah has since given out details of our DDA Bonus Gift program to about 20 other city and DDA entities.”
Mayor Russel Whipple said he is very excited to see the continued success of what the DDA is doing. He wants the community to know these funds go straight to the district and the people partyicipating in the event.
“One main thing people should know about the event is that all of the tax money that is collected is from businesses within the DDA. None of the tax dollars collected are from anything outside of the DDA.” said Whipple.
Whipple said he is proud to see how the DDA is representing the city. Whipple said “I think it’s big for the community, as well that it is a great way to contribute to the businesses. It makes you feel that it is important to support the community.”
For information or to buy DDA gift cards, go to the Mason DDA website or calling 517-676-9155.