Shop Concord program returns to benefit city's small businesses

The city of Concord and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce have relaunched the popular Shop Concord program to support the city's small businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally now and into the summer. The Shop Concord program helps increase sales for local businesses while also benefiting consumers and providing a boost to the local economy.

Gift cards can be used for purchases at any participating business. The bonus gift cards with purchase are available until the allotted $10,000 is distributed.

"It's great we are able to relaunch the Shop Concord program," said Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. "Our previous holiday relaunches have helped build momentum for the program and help us achieve our objective of supporting the local economy."

The initial Shop Concord program launched in November 2020, with 978 e-gift cards purchased for a total of $31,020 in value. Local businesses saw the momentum and reaped the benefits. Now, with six programs launched in the past three years to show continued support for the local economy, the total amount of gift cards distributed is valued at more than $188,000.

The e-gift cards can be bought on the Shop Concord Yiftee page (app.yiftee.com/gift-card/concord), which includes a list of participating merchants. The cards purchased can be redeemed at any participating Concord business. The digital nature of the gift cards lets customers split the original and bonus portions to keep for themselves or gift to others via text or email.

Concord local business owners can sign up anytime for free to participate in the program. Instructions for how to become a participating merchant are online at concordfirst.com/shop-concord.

— city of Concord

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 Auxiliary invites everyone to Christmas in July from 1 to 4 p.m. July 8. at the Concord Veterans Memorial Building, 2290 Willow Pass Road in Concord. This fundraiser will benefit the art and therapy programs for veterans at the Concord Vet Center.

Under the guidance of experienced crafters, attendees will "Make and Take" up to six hand-crafted holiday ornaments. All supplies will be provided. A sleigh full of holiday desserts and festive beverages will be included. Regular donations are $40 per person or $70 for two people who reserve together.

RSVP and payment due by June 25. Checks may be made payable to "VFW Post 1525 Auxiliary" and mailed to VFW Post 1525 Auxiliary, P.O. Box 79, Clayton, CA 94517. Include the names of attendees and a phone number or email. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

— VFW Post 1525 Auxiliary

The city of Antioch is looking for residents to share their thoughts on the development of a new gathering place in historic downtown Antioch. This new outdoor public space is uniquely situated along the Sacramento-San Joaquin River. It will benefit a diverse community by fostering a vibrant, thriving downtown.

On Nov. 23, 2021, the Antioch City Council gave the go-ahead to begin the process of transforming the dirt lot into a park. After years of advocating for a park and event center on the former Antioch Lumber Company lot known as "The Yard." Former Counicilwoman Joy Motts and members of the group, Save The Yard, had for years been advocating for the park and suggested it be called River Town Square.

To take the survey, go to surveymonkey.com/r/JD9NWMJ. For more information, go to antiochca.gov/recreation/rcs. For questions or comments, email Brad Helfenberger at [email protected].

— city of Antioch

The city of Oakley Parks Division has activated it water spray features, which will be open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.

Creekside Park, at 3900 Creekside Way, has a push-button activator to engage the automated program. Nunn-Wilson Family Park, at 1000 Oxford Drive, has a touchpad activator that will engage the automated program with varying spray nozzles and patterns for about 3 minutes. Follow the Oakley Recreation Department on Instagram and on Facebook at facebook.com/OakleyRecreationCenter.

— city of Oakley

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