Hastings Give Back Program Stands Out

This post the latest in Rural Resurrection’s ongoing series regarding COVID-19. Rural Resurrection will be posting regularly about the virus’ impact on rural governments and what local leaders can do. Follow us to stay informed of recent posts as we all work our way through this as “we are all in this together”.

With a number of businesses shut down or their operations cut drastically community leaders are looking for ways to help until things get better. In some communities the local chamber of commerce and/or economic development corporation (EDC) has emerged to play a prominent role. In Hastings, Nebraska the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with the Hastings Economic Development Corporation to start a gift card purchase matching program.

Give Back Program Basics

Through the Give Back Program gift card purchased for a local business through their website the business gets double the amount of the purchase. Hence, when someone purchases a $100 gift card, the business gets that amount. Then $100 is provided from Hastings Economic Development Corporation. Hastings EDC has allocated $100,000 to the Hastings Give Back program, with a maximum per-business commitment of $2,000.

In total, 98 businesses signed up for the program. That’s 98 businesses that are active enough in the dealings of the Chamber and the EDC to take notice and take advantage of the program proposed.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

There are in fact a number of other economic development corporations who have, or are conducting similar programs. Hastings EDC made smart move and learned from others, figuring out what worked for them and what didn’t work so well. It doesn’t matter if you are original, it matters if you are impactful. You can be more impactful from learning from others who have done it before and Hastings EDC and the Hastings Chamber did just that.

However, there were still headaches to be had. The point-of-sale web site they utilized for conducting the transactions had various issues. This caused a lot of headaches, especially on the back end where a notable amount of work. However, these issues were not insurmountable and their staff was able to work around it.

“Overall though, we could not have been happier with the response from the community and the impact on the local economy,” stated Hastings EDC Executive Director Michael Krings.

Hard Work Pays Off

In the end, the Hastings Gives Back campaign was a massive success. With an overwhelming rush of gift card purchases, in less than four days they maxed out their commitment to local businesses.  “People are hungry to support their local economy and do good.”

You may know of a rural government, organization, or business that has stepped up to help their community during this pandemic. They may be a helpful example to other communities, don’t keep it to yourself! Let us know through our contact form.