January 02, 2021
Saturday PM

The Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce would like to sincerely thank all of the community organizations, local businesses and restaurants that made this first year of Merry Merchants & Munch such a huge success during this holiday season.

Not only did 49 Merchants and Restaurants participate, but we had great teamwork from the Ketchikan Daily News, The Local Paper, KRBD, the Ketchikan Radio Center, The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council, KPUtv and the City of Ketchikan, AARP, plus many more for this “shop local” event.

Thanks to our community partners!

Ketchikan came together to make our 2020 holiday season a resounding success with over $279,300 being spent locally with our businesses. I should note that this monetary figure is solely based on the amount of Merry Merchant and Munch Cards that were turned in. Clearly, there was an abundance of local shopping happening, and many have reported that they indeed shopped local but did not turn in their cards. We roughly estimate the local infusion to be around $350,000 based on the cards that we have left and others that were not turned in.

Thank you, Ketchikan for supporting your local community businesses.

Additionally, our Beacon of Hope virtual tree auction, held in conjunction with the Peacehealth Ketchikan Medical Center’s Foundation raised over $6200.

Some funds will go towards the Peacehealth Ketchikan Foundation, and other funds will be sponsoring future Chamber scholarships for new entrepreneurs in our community. Also, other local non-profits benefitted, like the PATH Homeless Shelter and the Humane Society. Eleven local businesses helped to put on this tree auction to include: Optimum Health and Wellness, The Landing, Providence Properties, Rain City Drug Store, Alaska Airlines, Walmart, Tongass Federal Credit Union, Legacy Real Estate, Heavenly Creations, Coastal Real Estate and Bernie’s in the Plaza. Kudos for donating such beautiful trees.

We cannot forget to recognize the amazing enthusiasm of people, businesses, the City of Ketchikan, and many others for decorating our wonderful town in lights. Plus, the extraordinary efforts of KPUtv and the City of Ketchikan in broadcasting the virtual Christmas holiday celebrations…. The list goes on and on..Santas on Fire Trucks, .Boat Parades, dancing troupes of KHighlites, Shop With Cops, performing musical artists, and so much more.

When we come together as a community, we continue to make Ketchikan the amazing place that it is. Let’s make a 2021 Resolution to continue this community spirit!

Sincerely

Michelle O’Brien
Executive Director
Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
Ketchikan, Alaska

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The text of this letter was NOT edited by the SitNews Editor.

Received December 26, 2020 - Published January 02, 2021

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