BETHLEHEM — The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce continues its mission of supporting local businesses with a series of initiatives.
The Chamber’s Think and Buy Local program actively promotes its participating members through a number of methods designed to get the word out about the wide selection of small businesses the town has to offer. These include:
• An online business directory
• An annual directory book
• A town business map
• Welcome packets distributed to new residents and employees
• A table at the weekly Delmar Farmers Market and the Tuesday Farmers Market
• An annual restaurant week during the month of May
• “Small Business Saturday,” which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving
• A holiday shopping card, which gives consumers special offers and discounts to local businesses during the Christmas shopping season
One of the most recent additions to the Think and Buy Local program is the Shop Bethlehem Gift Card. Started in 2015, people can purchase these gift cards in any amount from $5 to $500 and can be used at more than 40 participating businesses in town, including restaurants, retail stores, salons, service providers and more. The cards can also be reloaded and used throughout the year.
“This program is the next step for the Bethlehem Chamber’s successful Buy Local program, which has resulted in many promotions to highlight our local businesses over the past five years,” said Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Kilcoyne.
The Shop Bethlehem Gift Cards can be purchased at the Chamber’s headquarters at 318 Delaware Ave., Suite 11 in Delmar or online at its website, www.bethlehemchamber.com.
The Chamber is also gearing up for this year’s Bethlehem Restaurant Week May 9-15. For $20.16, people can go to any participating restaurant in town and enjoy a three-course meal. The full list can be found on the chamber’s website as Restaurant Week gets closer.