Advertising and Marketing, Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Product Launches

RMS announces California Lottery® could offer its first game option for SuperLotto Plus®, Powerball®, and Mega Millions®, increasing funding for schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Relationship Marketing Systems, LLC ("RMS") is pleased to announce that its patented option for jackpot draw games has been submitted for approval to the California Lottery. If adopted, it would be California's first draw game add-on option. Currently, California has no game options due to the state's pari-mutuel statutes. Additionally, California would be the first state in the nation to offer this add-on, which has received high favorability among players.

The option is a lottery pool akin to traditional pooling. Integrated with the current lottery system, pooling will be easier and more accessible to players.

Much like "office pools" where people pool their money together to get multiple chances to win and share any winnings, this add-on would be available to players at the point of sale just like any other ticket. This is achieved through existing lottery infrastructure. Players would buy their own pooling ticket and collect their own share of winnings from their retailer, just as they do today. With this option, players do not need to organize people, trust in money collection or disbursement of winnings.

The pooling option would give players 10 lines of play for the same price as a single play. In return, they would receive 10% of all winnings. For example, if the last $2 billion jackpot won in California was from a pooled line of play, California would have had 10 $200 million dollar winners. Consider when the jackpot is lower, say $50 million -- even at this level, a pooled winning ticket would produce 10 $5 million dollar winners. This is still a windfall, life-changing amount of money.

Player options = more revenues.

Players like having options. Research studies show an average increase in draw game sales from pooling to be 25%. For California, if this option was available in FY2022, this would have produced an additional $341 Million dollars in sales revenues, resulting in over $115 Million dollars to California public schools, the lottery's primary beneficiary.

California's looming budget deficit will negatively impact statewide programs. This option can boost lottery benefits to public schools and help mitigate funding reductions therein.

This sample state lotto ticket shows 1 personal play for $1 and the add-on of 1 pool consisting of 10 more plays for an extra $1. In this example, the player would receive 100% of any winnings from their personal play and 10% of all winnings from the pool of 10 plays.

There is no financial risk to the California Lottery.

The uniqueness of the pooling option is that it doesn't introduce any new prize liability like that of other games. Every pooled ticket contributes to the current prize fund and every winning prize share is paid for from the same prize fund. Since it's not a new game, rather an add-on, player education and marketing incur virtually no cost with simple measures like ticket messaging and social media.

"The PoolingPLUS option brings new excitement to the games, producing more winning experiences while generating more funding for education," said Andy Amada, President of RMS, LLC.

SUPPORT "Pools for Schools," as some call it:

Send an email to your state representative or the California Lottery at: customerservice@calottery.com

ABOUT RMS:

PoolingPLUS™ by Relationship Marketing Systems, LLC ("RMS").

RMS designs products and solutions for state lotteries, players and stakeholders. To learn more, visit: https://www.poolingplus.com/ or email: info@poolingplus.com.

Related link: https://www.poolingplus.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Advertising and Marketing, Business, e-Commerce, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Yiftee Surpasses 400 Community eGift Cards, Launches New In-Person Sales Capability

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- As of today, Yiftee, Inc. is offering another way to "Keep Local Dollars Local" with its new "Order Desk" capability. City offices, Chambers of Commerce, Main Streets, and Downtown Associations can now sell their custom-branded Community eGift Cards to walk-in buyers and at public events, in addition to online sales. These Community Cards can be spent exclusively at local shops and restaurants. Order Desk is available as an add-on for existing Community Card customers at no cost.

"Because we moved from paper-based gift certificates to Yiftee, we have a lot of customers who are used to coming into our office to purchase gift cards for holiday gifts and employee or customer appreciation," said Kenyetta McFall, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Quincy, IL Chamber of Commerce. "We used to have to write them up by hand - but now we can create five or five hundred gift cards in a few minutes, print them out and hand them to the buyers."

Yiftee reports that approximately a third of its Community Card sales are from corporate, government, schools, hospitals, and other organizational buyers who give them to their employees and customers. Unlike single brand gift cards, the recipients have many choices of where to spend them. Since corporate purchasers are not as likely to buy a nail salon, pizza place or ice cream shop, these purchases bring new revenue to main street merchants.

Adding new communities rapidly, Yiftee tops 430 US cities in 48 states

The Company also announced that more than 430 communities across the country have adopted its easy-to-use platform for custom Community eGift Cards, and more than 15,000 small businesses use their digital gift card technology either in Communities or as single-brand eGift Cards. There's no cost to the merchants or Yiftee's community partners for the Community Card program. Yiftee charges an eDelivery fee at the time of purchase which can be paid by the buyer or a program sponsor. Yiftee eGift Cards require no special equipment or point-of-sale integration for merchants to participate.

New communities are invited to Yiftee's step-by-step 4-week launch curriculum; with all the materials they will need to market the program, and Yiftee continues to send weekly "Best Practices" all year long, learning from their communities as they grow.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves more than 400 communities and 15,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $30M since the pandemic began in 2020. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, City Governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses.

Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family, and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://www.yiftee.com/, email: sales@yiftee.com, Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: facebook.com/yiftee/.

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

RMA Hired by Haines City for CRA Professional Consulting Services

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com), is proud to announce the firm has been hired by Haines City, Florida for professional consulting services to help execute the CRA 5-Year Strategic Implementation and Financing Plan. The plan will focus on key areas of the CRA, including Downtown, the Lake Eva Community Center and redevelopment within the East and Oakland Neighborhoods.

"We are honored to be working with the leadership of Haines City," said Allison Justice, RMA Senior Associate. "Our team will be utilizing the current redevelopment plans to focus on several target projects within the CRA to enhance the tax base and quality of life in the city."

Located in Polk County, in the heart of the state, Haines City is twenty-five miles inland from the Tampa Bay area and is a popular destination for both family and retirement residences.

The goal of the plan is to increase the tax base by implementing projects that will offer the most positive impact. By defining the investment plan, the CRA is better positioned to market and promote the area, leading to business attraction and redevelopment. The Financing Plan provides the associated funding sources while creating a transparent financial document that clearly demonstrates the investments the CRA intends to make year after year.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of leading experts in economic development, real estate for governments, marketing, urban design, and financial analysis. RMA, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida is a highly experienced, full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, "Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around."

Learn more: https://rma.us.com/

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

Co-Chairs Announced for 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit, Cameron Robb, Jackie Johnson and Art Hamilton

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Building on the impact and success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit," bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona to share ideas and innovations.

With this expanded leadership team, the United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries. With the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses across the valley.

Cameron Robb's role at APS, helps bring clean, reliable and affordable energy to more than 2.7 million Arizonans. Further diversity throughout the City of Scottsdale, Jackie Johnson sets the strategic direction for DEI initiatives, integrating diversity with the city's core mission and values. A 26-year-public servant, Art Hamilton became a state legislator at age 21 and served as minority leader of the Arizona House of Representatives for nearly two decades; he was also the first Black and only Arizonan to be elected to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

"Creating a sustainable future for everyone in Arizona means that we must offer a path to reliable and affordable energy for everyone," Robb said. "We believe in leading the way with innovation and supporting everyone in the diverse communities we serve. I am honored to serve as co-chair for the United Diversity Business Summit and help to bring more voices and perspectives to the leader's table."

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges, and more.

"As a steady voice for the underrepresented, I appreciate the opportunity to engage greater diversity, equity and inclusion throughout Scottsdale with this summit and all of the incredible initiatives it sparks," Johnson added. "This year's event has an extraordinary wealth of talent, insight, and diverse perspectives and expertise."

Speakers for the 2022 summit include: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant; Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Blaylock Van and more to be announced.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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Business, Construction and Building, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Pompano Beach CRA Seeks Restaurant Developer/Operator for Prime Site: Restaurant to Anchor Old Town Arts and Entertainment District

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is seeking sealed proposals from qualified respondents for the development and operations of a restaurant located in the "Old Town Arts and Entertainment District" in the City of Pompano Beach. The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) process is to select a qualified respondent with proven experience, financial resources, and professional expertise to design, renovate and construct a new restaurant on this pivotal site. The City will receive sealed proposals until 2:00 p.m. (local), Monday, July 11, 2022.

The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a pdf (Bid #T-16-22) at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net.

"The Old Town Arts and Entertainment District has already attracted several leading restaurateurs, and now with this new opportunity, we look forward to partnering with an outstanding developer/operator who shares our vision for the area," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director.

Locals have dubbed the location the "Wash House," as the historic building was once a former laundromat. Conceptual ideas for the 6,089 square foot building include a high-quality, unique, diverse style restaurant or a craft brewery/wine bar with a food component of light bites or full kitchen. Roof top seating must be incorporated as an active use.

Currently, two restaurants are under construction in the district including South Bar & Kitchen by Mike Linder and Papamigos by Brian Faeth.

An Optional Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 9 a.m. (local) at 11 N.E. 1st Street, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 to provide Proposers with a site tour of the Old Town Arts and Entertainment District.

Proposers must be registered on the City's eBid System in order to view the solicitation documents and respond to this solicitation. The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a pdf at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net.

The City is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any documentation the Proposer receives from any source other than from the eBid System. Proposer is solely responsible for downloading all required documents. A list of Proposers will be read aloud in a public forum. To attend the virtual opening, go to https://pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/meetings to find the zoom link.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The CRA was created in 1989. It has two independent districts: Northwest CRA and East CRA established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district.

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes. For more information https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cra

Related link: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/cra/cra

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

City of Pompano Beach and its CRA Issue Invitation to Negotiate to Master Developers Globally

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The City of Pompano Beach (City) and the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for a Master Developer to help the City and CRA create a new Downtown and realize the vision of an exciting destination for businesses, residents, tourists, and other investment stakeholders.

In preparation for this ITN, the CRA hired globally acclaimed real estate firm CBRE as the exclusive agent to broadly market the opportunity and analyze responses for a Master Real Estate Developer for the +/-75.38-acres of publicly-owned land assemblages along the I-95 corridor. The City and CRA hope to secure a development partner by September 2022 and begin implementation of the new Downtown in 2023.

Responses are due on August 31, 2022 by 2 p.m. ET; details at https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net/

"Pompano Beach has become a red-hot real estate market for quality developers looking for sites for new projects. The investment the City and CRA has made in the public realm is attracting good growth partners and shining a light on this gem of a city in South Florida," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director.

Located in Broward County between Palm Beach and Miami Dade Counties, Pompano Beach is looking to capture the influx of new development interest flocking to the State of Florida. With land assemblies ranging in size from +/- .2 - 8.35 acres, the large amount of acreage is a unique opportunity to build on the foundation the City and CRA have laid for development of the new Downtown. A commuter rail stop is planned in the middle of the Downtown area and will connect the four intersections of Downtown where redevelopment is already occurring. Two new luxury apartment projects, restaurants and cultural buildings were all drawn to the area based on aggressive public investment by the City and its CRA. The public investments included a new $50 million beachfront, garage and pier, a $180 million bond for citywide public improvements, land use and zoning upgrades, infrastructure and streetscape improvements, and entitlements and availability of land for residential, hotel and commercial development.

"In Pompano Beach, we have a historic opportunity to create a thriving downtown from the ground up," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "There are very few cities nationwide with the ability to develop a new vision and trajectory for their city. With this project, Pompano Beach will be creating an economic driver for decades to come, one that will brand our city as a hub for technology, arts & culture, shopping, and nightlife."

Downtown Pompano Beach includes four quadrants: The Old Town District, also known as Old Pompano; The Civic Commons District, which includes City Hall, the library, and Cultural Center; the Innovation District, with MLK Boulevard as the "main street" between Dixie Highway and I-95; and a residential area.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The CRA was created in 1989. It has two independent districts: Northwest CRA and East CRA established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district.

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes. For more information https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cra

Related link: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/cra/cra

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

RMA Hired by City of St. Cloud for CRA Professional Consulting Services

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of St. Cloud, Florida for professional consulting services to help execute the CRA 5-Year Strategic Implementation and Financing Plan. Drafted by RMA and approved in February 2022, this plan provides a structured and proactive approach to guide redevelopment in the 706-acre CRA district, with the goal of attracting private investment.

"We are very proud to work with the City of St. Cloud," said Adriane Esteban, Senior Project Manager. "RMA developed a comprehensive and transparent plan that will support smart growth, while maintaining the character of this charming Osceola County community."

The goal of the plan is to increase the tax base by implementing projects that will offer the most positive impact. By defining the investment plan, the CRA is better positioned to market and promote the area, leading to business attraction and redevelopment. The Financing Plan provides the associated funding sources while creating a transparent financial document that clearly demonstrates the investments the CRA intends to make year after year.

Several key projects RMA will be focused on include the development of a new parking garage in the downtown, the creation of civic commons with an enhanced social environment, and CRA land asset analysis, along with the potential for further land acquisitions.

"We are delighted to be working with RMA as we implement the plan that will guide the growth and development of our City," said Bill Sturgeon, St. Cloud City Manager. "We are excited about both the near and long-term vision for St. Cloud, and we will continue to actively work with our stakeholders as we create a vibrant future for our residents and business owners."

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of leading experts in economic development, real estate for governments, marketing, urban design, and financial analysis. RMA, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida is a highly experienced, full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around.

Learn more: https://rma.us.com/

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

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Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Pompano Beach CRA announces RFP: Seeks Restaurant Operator for New Florida Destination

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- The Pompano Beach CRA has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Master Operator to renovate the historic McNab House and garage, construct a new kitchen, improve the surrounding area for outdoor dining, and design the dining program. The nationwide search invites commercial real estate professionals, with their restaurateur partners, and professional restaurant operators to submit proposals.

The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a PDF at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net. The proposal deadline is June 9, 2022 by 2 p.m.

"We are creating a world-class botanical garden which will attract visitors who support the restaurants with traditional dining, in addition to a variety of special events including weddings and educational tours," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the right operator to work with us in developing a key element of this forthcoming Florida destination."

The McNab House is an iconic 1926 structure that was moved and restored to become the centerpiece of the botanical garden. The CRA will consider proposers that respond to the initial phase ("Phase 1") of the project: the McNab House and garage operations, which include the outdoor patio dining, kitchen annex building, and loading area. Proposers are encouraged to define their vision for all aspects of the project including "Phase 2", which includes the tea house, event facilities, and other amenities. The CRA has divided the project into phases so operations may begin at the restaurant while the remainder of the botanical garden is designed, funded, and built.

The CRA's consultants, Bermello Ajamil, and Partners ("B & A"), produced a Conceptual Master Plan for the entire Botanical Gardens; however, specific uses and locations remain flexible pending involvement of the Master Operator.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 1989, with two independent districts. The Northwest CRA and East CRA were established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The Pompano Beach CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

For more information http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

Related link: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/cra/cra

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, e-Commerce, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

115 Sponsors Step Up to Engage Communities in Shop Local Campaigns

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, more than 100 of Yiftee's almost 400 communities who use its Community eGift Card platform ran dedicated gift card grant or bonus programs to benefit their small businesses, helping them stay afloat. Who were the "hometown heroes" that sponsored these programs during tough times, and continue to do so?

Yiftee surveyed its communities and found some expected and some surprising results when they asked, "What was the source of funding for your community gift card bonus and grant programs?"

1 -- City governments were the first to step up: 26.3%

2 -- Individuals in the community chipped in: 23.7%

3 -- Local banks and other employers contributed: 15.8%

4 -- ARPA and CARES federal programs were used: 13.2%

5 -- Other sources included tourist and hotel tax reserves, Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Association/Main Street budgets, and other county and state funding.

Over the two years, Sponsors contributed $2.7 million for bonus cards, incentivizing additional Community eGift card purchases by town residents of $4.1 million. Grant and employee reward programs added up to an additional $5.4 million. Gift cards and bonus cards can only be spent at local merchants in the Sponsors' communities. These purchases often replaced national brand gift card purchases as Sponsors redirected their budgets to "shop local."

Local financial institutions and employers support their communities

"Both Prudential Financial, Inc. and Audible are strong supporters of the community in which their employees live and work," said Tamara Remedios, Owner of Xplore Communications, who organized the Newark, NJ Community Card program. "When I approached Prudential with the idea of sponsoring a bonus program, they were all in, contributing $25k. They especially appreciated that their contributions incentivized additional purchases by Newark residents of 2.5x more. Plus, the bonus cards get residents into the 100+ shops and restaurants who are participating in the program before they expire - so it's a quick boost to our local economy when our businesses needed it the most. Audible also jumped on board to give $10k to support marketing and special programs for the Newark Gift Card. Both institutions are the benchmark of being true community partners."

Towns multiply their federal grant monies by engaging residents in shopping local

Last month, Yiftee hosted a webinar featuring two live community case studies where CARES and ARPA funds were used as sponsorships. Like Newark NJ, Concord CA hosted 3 bonus program campaigns at the holiday seasons of both 2020 and 2021, and a mid-year summer 2021 program as well. The $40,000 in federal grants were complemented by $80,000 in resident purchases for a total benefit of $120,000 going to 65 local businesses.

Cutler Bay, FL took a different approach with their CARES funding. They distributed $500 Community eGift cards to 300 residents in need, and the cards could only be spent at qualified small businesses in Cutler Bay. They saw 97.3% of the value redeemed within 3 months - a double win for the residents and businesses with the same funding.

The Yiftee survey documented some great advice for other communities considering similar programs, such as "Give them [Sponsors] as many perks as possible! Put their logo on all marketing materials, spotlight them on social media and encourage them to buy gift cards for their employees or raffle them off as prizes throughout the year" and "Have a sign at their [merchants'] cash registers to remind purchasers to use their e-gift card at that establishment."

The Bemidji, MN Chamber of Commerce promotes a locally owned bank, grocery store and telephone cooperative as Sponsors, celebrating their community spirit with logos on the website, and recognition in local press and marketing materials. This way, the community knows and can appreciate that these Sponsors are covering program costs for people who purchase their Community eGift Cards. Their card works at 49 different shops and restaurants in the area, and the program is free for the merchants to participate.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves almost 400 communities and 13,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $27M in pandemic years 2020 and 2021. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://www.yiftee.com/ and/or email: sales@yiftee.com

Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/9qhm8D2NPaI

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

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Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

Scottsdale Mayor Ortega Welcomes Minority Business Accelerator participants during Spring kickoff event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

The 2022 program is sponsored by American Landmark; one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the United States and Blaylock Van, LLC, the oldest and continuously operating African American-owned banking firm in the United States.

With a focus on minority business growth, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has already helped more than 7,000 women across the country conquer poverty through entrepreneurship. With a forward-focused mission of developing economic growth initiatives for minority- and women-owned businesses to encourage job creation and business expansion, the organization focuses its work in the Arizona, Florida, and Georgia markets. A $500,000 scholarship fund for the program was launched by Dr. Velma Trayham in February to help small businesses owned by African American women.

"While Arizona continues to grow its commitment to diverse business ownership, institutional barriers to success such as lack of access to capital and access to quality business training are still a reality. That's what we're here to change," said Thinkzilla Consulting Group founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "This unique program invites more voices to the table and more support in developing and realizing entrepreneurial goals."

While Arizona is home to more than 600,000 small businesses, only about 11 percent are helmed by racial minorities, according to the Arizona Small Business Economic Profile.

The 15-week Minority Business Accelerator engages entrepreneurs with a proprietary curriculum, including startup tools, access to a diverse local and national mentor network, funding opportunities to rapidly grow and scale operations, and support in learning how to do business with the government and corporations. The economic goals of the program include supporting the launch of more than 500 new companies while empowering a minimum of 50,000 entrepreneurs.

Program participants represent industries including counseling and mental health, consulting, spa/beauty, IT, restaurants, and education, among others.

2022 Spring Cohort Participating businesses are:

Black HMU, UnitedABowens Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Southern Roots Vegan, Nursing Apparel & ThangZ, Waters Cover Senior Living Community, Simply Celeste's, Shaping Minds Therapeutic Services, Divine Vision Enterprises, Permananet Management MakeUP, Maxim Wellness Centers, New Phoenix, Powerfuel Bites, Her Sisu, Kream's Kreations, Riley-Jones, Walking in Wellness, Ms. Martha's Caribbean Kitchen, Holistic Pathwayz, Nikki L. Sims, Healthier New You, Limitless Scholars, Purpose-Driven Therapeutic Services, Aylee Consulting, Positive Vibes, Foxy Holdings, The Martin Walsh Realty Group, Above the Curve Design Co. and Vuvoi.

The Entrepreneur Accelerator program is offered twice a year, will begin accepting applicants for its upcoming fall program in July. Past alumni's boast acceleration of business growth, click here for past testimonials - https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/success-stories/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Thinkzilla offers DEI Programming that focuses on economic, strategic growth initiatives for minority and women-owned small businesses. Our Award-Winning team helps our clients increase supplier diversity across their supply chains and assist in launching programs to engage communities across the globe. For more information, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization that addresses the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded. The mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned businesses, thereby strengthening their impact on the economy and mitigating the problems presented by poverty.

RELATED LINKS:
https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/minoritybusiness/

https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/30141144/Small-Business-Economic-Profile-AZ.pdf

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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