Chamber of Commerce program gives merchants a chance to attract new customers

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce’s Shop St. Joseph holiday program is inching closer as the winter months approach.

The program starts Wednesday, Nov. 12, and ends Monday, Dec. 15.

Participating retailers are giving one free Shop St. Joseph ticket to shoppers and then another ticket for every $10 spent for a chance to win prizes.

Participation is available for traditional shops, restaurants and service providers; however, Chamber members receive a discount on the cost.

There is a $10,000 grand prize and a $2,500 prize. Shop Small Business Bonus drawing will be on Dec. 17. Smaller second-chance prizes will be available.

Businesses looking to participate in the program will need to pay a small fee, but the cost differs depending on business size.

Chamber members who own his or her own business and have only one additional employee will need to pay $100; two to five employees, $200; six or more employees, $250.

Businesses that aren’t Chamber members and have five or fewer employees will pay $300. If a non-Chamber member has six or more employees, the price is $375.

Applications to register for all business types can be found at saintjoseph.com.