Local businesses of all types from restaurants to small retailers have taken a tremendous economic hit as a result of the dislocations caused by the COVID-19 virus. In a bid to promote these area businesses and get local consumers to patronize these businesses, the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is engaging in a four-month contest aimed at helping these businesses.

Beginning on November 23, and running through March 29, the Chamber will be having weekly drawings from submissions of people who have shopped here in Lycoming County.

All people need to do is take a photo of their receipt of a purchase made at a local business that week and upload it to http://www.buylocalwinlocal.com/webb.

The Chamber is giving away $250 in gift certificates from local business between November 23 through December 28. There will be (1) $100 gift certificate and (3) $50 gift certificates given away during this period.

From January 4 through March 29, the amount of money given away doubles with $500 in gift certificates being awarded. They will be giving away (2) $100 gift certificates and (6) $50 gift certificates during this span of months.

This program is being underwritten through support of UPMC, Highmark, Moff & Associates The Lycoming Economic Development Foundation In Memory of Joseph L. Rider Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. It is also being supported through the local media partners of Webb Weekly, Backyard Broadcasting, NorthcentralPA.com, and the Sun Gazette.

There has been a significant increase of online shopping during the pandemic. Online retailers such as Amazon have seen record sales and profits. This has come at a cost to local brick and mortar stores not only here in our community but across the country.

“We want to drive home the need for people here in Lycoming County to shop locally. Without the dollars being recirculated in our community, we will see more vacant buildings,” Jason Fink, President and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, told Webb Weekly. “This doesn’t only affect our employment, but also the tax base, which supports a host of public services. Shopping locally can be done safely, and people need to get out and do it if they want a return to normal when the pandemic is over. You’ll notice that we’re putting an emphasis on purchases made in the first quarter of 2021. Historically, this has been the slowest time for retailers and restaurants. Now more than ever, we need to change this and make it busy for them. These local businesses have been here for us over the years in supporting all hosts of community efforts. Now it’s our turn to step up and help them. The Chamber greatly appreciates the support we received from the businesses and organizations that have helped to fund this program.”

Again, all you have to do to enter to win is buy local. Every time you make a purchase at any business in Lycoming County, head to buylocalwinlocal.com/webb. Just fill out the form and upload a picture of your receipt and you are entered to win! You can also find a link on our website, http://www.webbweekly.com, just click the graphic on our homepage and it will take you directly to the entry form! Good luck and remember, Buy Local, Win Local.