Hey cats and kittens! 

OK, let’s just admit you all know what I am talking about and I will fess up to being slightly embarrassed to have been suckered in on that slow speed train wreck of a TV series. Isolation has taken its toll on all of us and when this all started, I was one of those people that was going to get fit at home and emerge from the safer at home feeling healthy and stronger. 

Well, I have news for you. I failed. My time alone at home was spent binging through Easter candy and anything Netflix could bring me. In my defense, I did not just watch “Tiger King” and “Hollywood,” I checked in on some pretty serious documentaries. My personal favorite was on National Geographic as two seasoned hikers went through the Grand Canyon. But now I must take back my life from the grips of lonely despair. 

One of the ways I am able to cope is through retail therapy. Not being able to get out and shop around Monroe the way I would like has really put a hurt on my psyche – but the future is looking a bit brighter.  

With the major changes we were faced with, the chamber of commerce wanted to  find a solution that would allow businesses to retain their customers as well as offer people in our community some extra money as we struggle with the unknown economic impact of COVID 19 and the “Safer at Home” order. 

We reviewed our strategy and devised a way that we can help our businesses as well as our residents who rely on locally owned and operated businesses to help them with their everyday lives. The 2020 Monroe Money “May”hem  promotion is available to anyone who wants to purchase Monroe Money and use it to spend at any chamber member business. This program allows you to earn 20% when you purchase Monroe Money, shop local, and support your community while making your money go farther. 

By now most of us are familiar enough to know that Monroe Money makes a great gift. We are thrilled when people stop in to buy gifts for mom and dad or the newlyweds who have gift registries. A tremendous amount of volunteer organizations say thank you to their volunteers by presenting them with Monroe Money. Our retail businesses and restaurants are the most common place Monroe Money gets redeemed. It is great to give your friends a night out or tell you day care provided thanks for taking care of my littles. But did you know Monroe Money can be used for so many other things?  

We realize that with people working from home and not traveling for leisure, people are conserving when they can and getting those daily bills paid to help our neighbors stay in business can feel like a larger commitment than we are prepared for. How about getting some extra money in your own pocket?  

I want to offer a friendly reminder that you can use Monroe Money to pay your bills, buy groceries, put gas in your car, buy a lawnmower, make loan payments, pay for home improvements and even pay for service at the city of Monroe  including park and recreation activities and utilities bills.  

So here is how the promotion is set up. For every Monroe Money purchase of $100, you actually get an additional $20. This is giving you an extra 20%. We have established a maximum purchase of $500 per person. Our offer expires May 31, or until fund limit has been met. Monroe Money is valid for 1 year after the date of issue and is available in any denomination.  

To place an order, call 608-325-7648 Monday through Friday at 1505 9th St., Monroe. We have been able to return to regular business hours and offer social distancing and no contact pick up. Cash and checks are accepted for Monroe Money purchases. 

For a full list of chamber members, visit our chamber member directory or stop in the office and we would be happy to provide it to you.   

Thank you for choosing Monroe. Shop local, hire local, live local.

— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.