Christmas Cash starts 25th season of program

Havre Area Chamber of Commerce

Today will launch the 25h anniversary of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Cash program.

Christmas Cash is a program of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce made available to Chamber member businesses during the holiday season.

The mission of the program when initiated was to stimulate the local economy during the holiday by keeping money in town, supporting local businesses. The program has had significant impact on the local economy over the past years by keeping close to $7 million in Havre supporting local businesses. Interest-free Christmas Cash Loans from $500 to $1,500 will be available, with approved credit, at Independence Bank, Stockman Bank and Bear Paw Credit Union starting today.

“There will be many opportunities to shop globally over the next several weeks but hopefully as holiday shoppers work through their holiday shopping lists, they will give area businesses a first chance,” said Debbie Vandeberg, executive director of the Chamber. “Let’s keep the money here at local businesses that support local causes all year long through the giving of volunteer and financial resources. One great way to do this is to use the Chamber’s Christmas Cash Program.”

The Christmas Cash program brings together 46 businesses in the community in a common goal to stimulate holiday shopping in Havre.

The Chamber’s Christmas Cash program started in 1990 and continues because of the partnerships between the Chamber, participating financial institutions and main street businesses.

“We need to thank the community for using and supporting the Chamber’s Christmas Cash Program these past 24 years,” said Chamber Board President Debbie Callahan.

Also, she said, a thank-you goes out to the participating financial institutions for continuing to be partners in providing this program to the community and to the businesses that participate in the Chamber’s Christmas Cash program.