In an effort to “Recover the Couve,” BOGO gift certificates to be offered to support local economy

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A short-term enhancement to the existing Grow The (360) program started by the Greater Vancouver Chamber at the beginning of the pandemic, Visit Vancouver USA, the Ed & Dollie Lynch Foundation, and ilani have partnered to offer $50,000 in the form of ‘buy one, get one free’ gift certificates that buyers can use at local participating businesses. The special “Recover the Couve” deal begins on May 3, 2021 and lasts until August 31, 2021 or until the funds have been used up.

“When the travel industry started taking huge hits last year, our organization really pivoted our mission to helping local small businesses survive,” said Cliff Myers, CEO & President of Visit Vancouver USA. “Our unique restaurants, retailers, breweries and wineries, and coffee shops are what make our community stand out, which is essential in bringing visitors back to the Couve.”

“This partnership is exactly what the community needs,” adds John McDonagh, CEO & President of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “Our businesses need everyone who can, to shop with them so they can rebuild. This also creates a healthy business community to attract and serve the visitors Visit Vancouver USA will be recruiting when travelers are comfortable visiting again.”

The limited-time promotion period envelopes the City of Vancouver's Small Business Month in May and extends through the traditionally high-traffic summer months when large events and festivals formerly brought Clark County an increased volume of visitors. The boost of $100,000 shop local certificates, that can only be spent at participating businesses in Clark County, is just what the community needs to recover from the pandemic’s impact.

“We continue to be concerned that our vibrant hospitality industry has been impacted so much by COVID-19,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, President and General Manager of ilani. “ilani has always been about giving back to the community, and we are honored to help offer some relief to the local businesses that make Clark County a wonderful place to live and work.”

Bleu Door Bakery was the first business to sign up for the Grow The (360) program, and owner Bonnie Brasure has seen positive results.

“The Grow The (360) program was a great way to be even more community focused, and it is presented so well with lots of opportunities,” she said. “Grow The (360) has brought in some new customers, and people are buying more on their visits too!”

Brasure also commented on the ease of functionality and quick turnaround once the certificate is redeemed. Here is how it works:

Buyers go to VancouverUSA.com/GrowThe360 to select the value of the certificate (and receive the matching value for free during the BOGO promotion), present the printed certificate, or simply show the QR code on your phone/tablet while making a purchase at participating merchants.

If you are a Clark County merchant looking to participate in the program, please visit VancouverUSA.com/GrowThe360 to sign up and find answers to frequently asked questions.

About Visit Vancouver USA
Visit Vancouver USA is the official destination marketing organization for Vancouver USA and the surrounding areas. The organization also markets the region as a venue for sports events through the Vancouver USA Sports brand. Visit Vancouver USA's mission is to increase visitor spending in Vancouver and Clark County through competitively marketing the area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and leisure travelers. For more information call 360-750-1553, or visit .

About Greater Vancouver Chamber
The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is Moving Business Forward in SW Washington through business advocacy, connection-making, education, and visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate while improving Southwest Washington’s infrastructure and quality of life. For more information, please go to VancouverUSA.com. 

About ilani

Located on the Cowlitz Reservation in Ridgefield, Washington, ilani, developed by the Cowlitz Tribe and Salishan-Mohegan, a partnership that includes Mohegan Sun, one of the world’s foremost gaming and entertainment developers and operators, is the Pacific Northwest’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment and meeting destination. With nearly 400,000 total square feet, ilani includes 100,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 2,500 slots and 75 gaming tables; 15 different restaurants, bars and retail outlets; and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue hosting nationally recognized performances. For more information, visit ilaniresort.com and follow ilani on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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