Annual gift certificate swap generated more than $450,000 in economic activity last year

Photo: Contributed

Trade-A-Thon is back for a 10th year.

Okanagan businesses are invited to take part in the annual gift certificate swap, which allows them to market themselves, gain new clients, discover other local businesses or reward their employees without using cash.

Businesses that sign up for the initiative create an offer for something general, like 20 gift certificates worth $25, or something more specific for their products or services. Whatever the value of the offer is, the business will get a credit worth the same amount to spend on other businesses that are taking part in the promotion. That amount can be divided and given to employees, to clients or to others to spend.

Lolo Loves Local, along with TEC Okanagan, is co-ordinating the event again this year. Last year $468,000 in local business gift certificates were swapped.

The promotion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1. Businesses that have already signed up for Trade-A-Thon come from industries like wine, cider, advertising, spa services, massage, pet services, HVAC, roof repairs, vehicle detailing, accommodation, bookkeeping services, clothing and home decor.

More information about the 10th annual Trade-A-Thon can be found here.