Aiding the area\u2019s economic engine, CREA\u2019s primary focus is on promoting local business to local customers. CREA executive director Gayel Alexander said there were about 100,000 potential retail customers within a 100-mile radius of Cortez.<\/p>\n
One of CREA\u2019s biggest programs is Cortez Cash. Over the summer, the program was responsible for helping to drive $35,000 in sales across nearly 200 local retailers. Last Christmas, the project was responsible for more than $125,000 in sales.<\/p>\n
\u201cCustomers appreciate it, because it allows them to stretch their money further, but the bigger picture is promoting local businesses,\u201d Alexander said. \u201cThe stronger our local businesses are, the stronger our local community becomes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the program, shoppers who purchased $300 in Cortez Cash to be used during the six-week Christmas sale, for example, end up with $400 in buying power.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople really appreciate the Cortez Cash program,\u201d she said. \u201cThe flexibility is what\u2019s so nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexander said Cortez Cash could be spent only at participating retailers. She said those retailers benefit through advertising efforts undertaken by CREA.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a solid marketing plan for what we\u2019re trying to accomplish,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n