When a Minneapolis business association partnered with their local newspaper to promote a new punch card rewards program, the results drove advertising, community engagement and local restaurant revenue. Here’s how they did it:
CREATE:
In May 2022, Kim Jakus of the Longfellow Business Association set to work creating a local dining program that sold punch cards entitling card holders to BOGO offers at participating local restaurants. She contacted Longfellow Nokomis Messenger owner and editor Tesha Christensen to begin promoting the program with newspaper advertising. In designing the program promotion, Christensen contacted Metro with a request to make an existing image geared toward restaurant and wine advertisers inclusive for coffee shops and breweries as well. Christensen used the new image to brand the program with an eye-catching “Eat Local This Summer” ad design.
SELL:
Jakus personally reached out to all of the food and drink establishments in the area to recruit program participants. Businesses were charged $100 to participate, which they could earn back by selling the $10 punch cards to customers. Jakus used Christensen’s design to promote the program via email newsletters, flyers and social media, encouraging participating businesses to do the same.
PROFIT:
The program generated a $1,100 profit for the Business Association after expenses, but it also benefitted local businesses and fostered community connection. Jakus says businesses were glad they participated, adding, “I got feedback from folks in the neighborhood who said they really enjoyed using the punch cards and it was the highlight of their summer.”
Tesha Christensen, Owner/Editor
Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
5139 34th Avenue S #17097
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-235-4464
Tesha@LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com
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