September Commentary by Laurie Zink
Members of the Corvallis Independent Business Alliance believe that locally owned, independently operated businesses are a vital part of what makes Corvallis such a wonderful place to live. Community members who support locally owned businesses know that in doing so money is recirculated in our community in many ways. CIBA members not only employ local people and contribute to a vibrant business community, they also contribute thousands of dollars and many hours of service to a remarkable range of community organizations.
One of Corvallis’ best qualities is the high value traditionally placed on education. As public schools have faced budgetary cuts, some of the void has been filled through community volunteerism and in-kind support. One program established in many of the schools by parent organizations is the sale of scrip. Scrip is any kind of voucher with a value recognized by participating merchants and accepted in place of money. Gift certificates, coupons and gift cards can be considered types of scrip.
Most elementary schools in Corvallis have scrip programs operated by parent organizations. Businesses of many types contribute the scrip, and supporters of the school purchase it at full price. A percentage of that price goes directly to the school. The scrip can then be redeemed, just like a gift certificate, at the restaurant, grocery store, bookstore or other business that issued it.
In a natural connection, CIBA has chosen to devote a specific effort to the support of local schools through the CIBA Scrip program. Some member businesses, such as The Book Bin, Richey’s Market and First Alternative Co-op, have their own scrip programs or similar initiatives. As an organization, CIBA produces scrip cards that can be sold by any local school or school-related group, with 10 percent of the value going to the fund-raising group.
What is unique about CIBA Scrip is that it can be redeemed at several participating businesses. The brightly colored cards, the size of a business card, come in $1, $5 and $10 denominations. Currently, 10 member businesses participate in our scrip program, and more will be joining soon. Some of the participants are Robnett’s Hardware, Peak Sports, Grass Roots Books & Music, Day Dreamers Beads & Jewelry, Darkside Cinema, Purple Moon Organic Espresso & Juice, Sibling Revelry, Buckingham Palace and Callicrate Computer Services. The list of participating businesses is regularly updated on the CIBA Web site, www.corvallisiba.org.
Scrip has been a very successful fund-raising tool for many schools. Franklin School, for example, raises $5,000 to $7,000 per year through the sale of scrip. Most participating schools have information about scrip and order forms on their Web sites.
If you are not connected to a particular school or would like to support a school that does not have a scrip program, CIBA Scrip is available directly from CIBA. The cards are a great gift idea for students, teachers, employees or anyone. When you buy scrip cards directly from CIBA, you designate the school you would like to receive the 10 percent donation. If you have questions or would like to buy CIBA Scrip directly, call 752-2323 or come into Day Dreamers Beads & Jewelry, 905 N.W. Kings Blvd.
jerryheilman@consbio.org">jerryheilman@consbio.org">jerryheilman, 8:39 AM [link]
