Shop, Dine most successful

RANGELY I The Town of Rangely started the Shop and Dine Rangely program four years ago and the number of receipts generated and individuals participating in the program this year broke records.
“The Shop and Dine Rangely program has always been to begin to influence shopping habits and help our residents to see the value and selection in their own community,” Rangely town manager Peter Brixius said. “This year’s event was very robust and the excitement level seemed dramatically greater in the final two weeks of November than we have experienced in the past.”
According to Brixius, the town received $152,902 in sales tax generating receipts for the month of November from 590 individuals, who redeemed them for vouchers totaling $13,970. Brixius said total receipts received by the town increased 38.5 percent compared to November 2010.
“Many merchants seemed very pleased with the program and one of our larger merchants claimed a 15-20 percent increase in sales over the same period last year,” Brixius said.
Brixius said his staff was stretched “to the point it was getting harder to focus on day-to-day operations.”
Brixius thanked his staff, Brenda LeBleu, town clerk Christine Brasfield, town treasurer Lisa Piering, Marybell Cox and volunteers Colleen Brixius and Lisa Hatch for their help “going through the intensity of the program.”
“It’s hard work but a lot of fun as we work to support our local merchants,” Brixius said.
The program works as people bring tax-generating receipts (gas is not included) to the town. They receive a $5 voucher for every $50 they spend and the vouchers can be used in local businesses.
“The Shop and Dine Rangely program has almost become a legacy event in our community,” Brixius said. “We hope it was a great start to the holiday season.”