ESCANABA — The Christmas shopping season is in full force as our waterfront community just experienced the excitement of Black Friday on Tuesday in downtown Escanaba, Black Friday sales yesterday throughout Delta County, and today’s Small Business Saturday promotion.

This holiday season definitely looks a little different than any other and we want to thank our businesses that are determined to protect the safety and provide a comfortable experience for both shoppers and employees. The number of shoppers allowed within a store at one time is limited and many stores offer expanded hours to help reduce crowding.

At the Chamber of Commerce, we are encouraging residents to Team UP and Mask UP, avoid crowds in larger communities, and to shop safe and local to keep the cheer here in Delta County.

One way to do that is to give a “one size fits all” Chamber Gift Certificate to that hard to buy for person on your Christmas shopping list. The certificates are easy to give, easy to redeem, and because there are so many businesses to choose from in Delta County, the certificate recipient can select their own perfect gift. They are a great way to keep money local and are more flexible than a gift certificate to a single business. The Chamber offers gift certificates year-round to encourage local shopping which, in turn, strengthens our economy and supports business growth, which has never been more important than it is now.

Simply call the Chamber at 906-786-2192 or send an email to info@deltami.org to order gift certificates in any denomination. They are welcomed and redeemable at all Chamber member businesses throughout the community. Once accepted by business owners, the Chamber gift certificates are deposited just like other cash receipts. There is no cost to either the buyer or the business.

Chamber gift certificates make it fun and easy to shop locally and keep business here in our waterfront community.

Thank you to everyone for your dedicated commitment to #keepthecheerhere and make shopping in Delta County a sate and great experience for everyone!

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Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamner of Commerce