Buy Lee County program pumps over $60,000 into Lee County economy

The Buy Lee County program allows individuals to purchase $30 in Chamber Checks from the Fort Madison Chamber or Keokuk Kash from the Keokuk Chamber for $20.

The stats:

' 1st Round sold 600 certificates in 48 hours

' 2nd Round sold 500 certificates in 24 hours

' 3rd Round sold 500 certificates in 3 hours

' 4th and final round sold 500 certificates in 30 minutes

Through the four rounds, spread out one per month since May, over 2,000 certificates have been sold equaling $63,000 that will be spent in Lee County.

Funded by Lee County EDG, Keokuk Chamber and Economic Development and the Fort Madison Chamber, these certificates can be spent at over 240 Lee County business.

Lee County resident Deb Holtkamp purchased several certificates.

'This is a great program!” said Holtkamp, 'Where else can you get that kind of a return on your money? They are easy to use and what a great promotion for Lee County businesses.

Summer Day, owner of Younggren Shoes in Keokuk said, We've seen over 50 Lee County certificates come through in the last couple months.” Younggren had to close her doors due to COVID-19. However since their reopening in May, she has seen a steady growth in sales and feels the Buy Lee County campaign has contributed to that increase.

'I think it's really encouraging people to buy local and helping people see we have great stores right here so you don't have to go out of town.”