PRESS RELEASE
DECEMBER 23, 2021
MERRY MERCHANTS & MUNCH 2021
The Success of Creating a Culture That Rewards Local Shopping
The Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, representing nearly 290 local businesses, is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Merry Merchants and Munch program garnered over $752,500 in local sales with 65 local merchants/restaurants participating. This year’s event ran from November 22-December 20, 2021.
The program began in 2020, with a simple goal: to help support the Ketchikan business community during a challenging time and reward those who chose to shop at local businesses. In 2020, 50 local merchants and restaurants participated, garnering $279,300 in local sales registered by cards turned in.
Local partners include the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council, who offer participation in the program to their members, as well as other community partners for various holiday events: The Cape Fox Lodge, The American Legion, The City of Ketchikan, KPUtv, PeaceHealth Medical Center Ketchikan, The Plaza, The Local Paper, and the Ketchikan Daily News.
In 2021, Alaska Airlines became a premier partner in this event, and donated two round trip tickets. Additional prizes in 2021 included two $500 local gift card prizes that were purchased by the Chamber at locally owned Chamber member, Alaskan and Proud Market.
The Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce strongly feels the success of the Merry Merchants and Munch program demonstrates how beneficial it is when our business community partners together to foster a culture of shopping with local businesses intentionally.
“I anticipate this program to grow even stronger for our local businesses in 2022. It was incredibly popular this year, and many of our participants reported very positive results,” said Michelle O’Brien, Executive Director of the Ketchikan Chamber.
For more information about the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.ketchikanchamber.com.
Questions and press inquiries may be directed to:
Michelle O’Brien, Executive Director, (907)220-7989/ (907)225-3184 execdir@ketchikanchamber.com