Locally owned Lawrence businesses are stepping up once again.
A group of 17 locally owned restaurants, along with the locally owned Checkers grocery store, have initiated a program that will divert a portion of their profits to nonprofit agencies in Lawrence. As icing on the cake, people who use the cards also earn points that can accumulate and provide them with bonus dollars to spend at the participating businesses.
The program is called Lawrence GiveBack. Customers can designate any verifiable nonprofit agency in Lawrence to receive a donation equal to 5 percent of their restaurant bill (excluding tax, tip and alcohol). They also accumulate a point for every dollar they spend; 200 points earns the cardholder a $10 credit that can be used at any of the participating businesses. Checkers will donate 1 percent of a customer’s grocery bill and, each quarter, return another 1 percent to the shopper’s card for future purchases.
There are many positive things about national restaurant and retail chains. They contribute to Lawrence’s retail choices and supply thousands of jobs. But there simply is no denying that when it comes to supporting local schools, organizations and nonprofits, locally owned businesses are the stars. A full list of the restaurants participating in Lawrence GiveBack is available at LJWorld.com.
That’s especially worth considering in light of the fact that many locally owned businesses are struggling now. Three Massachusetts Street retail stores — Arensberg’s, Silverworks and Second Chance — that have done business in Lawrence for more than 30 years have closed since the beginning of the year, and another long-time retailer — Palace Cards & Gifts — has indicated it likely will close its doors if a deal goes through to lease its space to a restaurant chain.
Not only is it sad to see these longtime retailers go out of business, but the loss of retail stores and a corresponding shift to more restaurants or entertainment venues will have a significant impact on downtown.
It’s all a reminder of what an important role local business owners play in our community. The Lawrence GiveBack card is just the latest example of how these businesses help support Lawrence; local shoppers and restaurant customers should make it a point to return the favor.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
gl0ck0wn3r (anonymous) says…
Simple economics. Lawrence is a business unfriendly community (thanks Richard!) and it is often far more expensive to buy goods in Lawrence than it is to buy elsewhere. When the vocal anti-business minority in Lawrence decides to "give back" to the rest of us, I have a feeling Lawrence will see a corresponding growth in retail sales.
merrill (anonymous) says…
So long as the local Chamber supports over retailing Lawrence it may get it's wish to turn Mass Street in to a bar and grill seen.
Yes it is too bad that so many local business people have closed their doors over the past 20 years as the westside developers continue to hammer the nails into the coffin of local downtown business owners with the help of city commissioners.
As far as I know there is no ordinance stating that commissioners are required to approve any project. It is NOT the duty of the taxpayer or local government to maximize profits for speculators.
What's missing from the decision making process?
Specific projects should be accompanied with in depth independent Retail Impact Studies and Economic Impact studies. Lawrence is a small town with only so many available retail dollars.
New retail is suppose to create new additional revenue and new additional employment for a community NOT merely spread current retail dollars to the point where nothing NEW or additional is realized. Certainly it is not to replace existing retail for nothing is gained.
Ultimately taxpayers realize tax increases to cover the cost of additional demand on community services.
If Mass street does become the bar and grill haven that some would like Lawrence sales tax revenue may take a big hit. More shoppers will direct their purchases to online,
kcmo/joco metro and Topeka metro. I am not sure that Lawrence would support a mass influx of bars and grills.
Unlike Manhattan,Kansas..... Lawrence residents have many other retail shopping choices with kcmo/joco metro and Topeka just a few minutes away offering way more choices and sales. As for now many local and/or downtown merchants do offer online shopping.
If many many shoppers choose the new Wal-Mart over the 31st and Iowa shopping area Lawrence may well find itself with fewer choices. No doubt sales in that area come from
drive by customers. Can Lawrence,Kansas taxpayers afford economic displacement over economic growth....no way jose'.
Local business keeps money local which provides more capital for local borrowing.
Hats off to these local business people and their Give Back efforts. Hope it pays back to all concerned. YES!