Courtesy of Chambers Co. Development Authority
In May, the Chambers County Development Authority launched its new program that provides a resource for local retailers to market their products online. Titled “Shop Where I Live Chambers County,” the program features a dedicated website that allows any county retailer to have their own unique page where they can market and sell their goods and services to the world.
In the midst of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, the CCDA has been actively working to support local businesses and industries as they navigate uncertain economic times. This program is an ambitious effort to help the companies that have been hit the hardest: small businesses. There are currently 22 businesses enrolled on the Shop Where I Live website, and five of those have products listed for sale.
In addition to businesses, the CCDA has announced an expansion of the platform that will allow local non-profit organizations to create a page that features fundraising items to help generate contributions for their causes. Any such entity must be a 501c3 or 501c6 registered agent with the Internal Revenue Service or may be any school program that does not operate for profit.
Kimberly Carter, director of recruitment at the CCDA, is spearheading the initiative, which is the first of its kind for any county in Alabama, with the goal of giving local retailers, and now non-profit organizations, the opportunity to expand their brands to both a local and global audience.
During the first year of the program, the CCDA can accept up to 400 registered partners to participate at no cost. Training and support will be provided as well as tracking data to measure sales. Businesses and organizations that participate will have a dedicated page, where they can sell up to 25 items at a time.
The Shop Where I Live Chambers County website is being promoted on city and county websites, social media and with local media outlets. The site is currently live and can be accessed by visiting www.chamberscounty.shopwhereilive.com
If interested in participating in Shop Where I Live Chambers County or want more information, contact Carter by phone at 706-590-0291 or via email at kcarter@chambersida.com.
