Tag Archives: hyperlocal

BEAM Collaborative and Murphy Business Sales Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Local Businesses and Keep Them Local

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BEAM Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening local businesses and keeping them locally owned, today announced a strategic partnership with Murphy Business Sales – West Pittsburgh, a leading full-service business brokerage firm serving Western Pennsylvania.

Image caption: BEAM Collaborative.

The partnership is grounded in education and expert-led advising—ensuring business owners and buyers receive the right level of support at every stage of ownership transition. Together, BEAM and Murphy Business Sales are expanding access to practical guidance, professional expertise, and trusted pathways for buying and selling Main Street businesses.

By combining BEAM’s data-driven education and succession planning tools with Murphy Business Sales’ deep expertise in valuations, confidential business sales, and mergers and acquisitions, the collaboration supports businesses across the full spectrum of size and complexity—from smaller, owner-operated companies to more sophisticated transactions requiring experienced advisors.

BEAM focuses on Main Street businesses often overlooked by traditional markets—locally rooted companies with revenue under $5 million, including those as small as $300,000 to $800,000—providing education, guidance, and pathways to help keep these businesses strong and locally owned.

“Keeping strong local businesses in local hands is central to BEAM’s mission,” said Joel Burstein, Co-Founder and CEO of BEAM Collaborative. “Not every business needs a traditional broker, but every owner needs education and clarity. Some transactions benefit from technology-enabled tools and secure deal management, while others demand hands-on, expert guidance. BEAM exists to meet business owners where they are—so no matter the size of the business, there’s a clear path forward that keeps it rooted in our local economy.”

Murphy Business Sales brings decades of experience helping owners navigate complex transactions, maximize value, and connect with qualified buyers who are prepared to invest significant capital and take on long-term ownership.

“We’re excited to partner with BEAM Collaborative to provide education and expert support to business owners at critical transition points,” said Bill Ilgenfritz of Murphy Business Sales. “Together, we’re helping owners and buyers make informed decisions while preserving the businesses that anchor our communities.”

The partnership will include joint educational programs, workshops, and outreach designed to equip current business owners and prospective buyers with the tools, knowledge, and professional guidance needed for successful, sustainable ownership transitions—ensuring local businesses remain community assets for generations to come.

For more information, visit https://beamcollaborative.org or https://murphybusiness.com/west-pittsburgh.

MEDIA CONTACT
Deborah Maxson
BEAM Collaborative
412.716.5064
Deborah.maxson@kellermaxson.com

NEWS SOURCE: BEAM Collaborative

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (BEAM Collaborative), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/beam-collaborative-and-murphy-business-sales-announce-strategic-partnership-to-strengthen-local-businesses-and-keep-them-local/

The LA Local Launches New Publications Serving 10 Additional Neighborhoods

Launch represents one of the largest philanthropic efforts in the country to strengthen local news

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The LA Local today announced the next phase of its groundbreaking newsroom expansion, including community-based news outlets and a website, thelalocal.org, to serve as a trusted source of local news and information. The LA Local is led by a team of civic and journalistic leaders with deep roots in Los Angeles dedicated to delivering free and fair reporting that better connects communities, strengthens local journalism and fosters collaboration among news organizations.

Photo caption: A member of The LA Local’s community engagement team speaks with a resident in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Photo Credit: The LA Local.

This expansion adds 27 newsroom jobs dedicated to Los Angeles, including at The LA Local’s own newsrooms and at LAist and CalMatters. It represents one of the nation’s largest nonprofit news startups and is fueled by $19.3 million in philanthropic investments and partnerships with 24 area media outlets and universities, ensuring that local reporting remains vital and accessible in Los Angeles.

Led by Executive Editor Kristen Muller, The LA Local’s three community news outlets now cover ten neighborhoods, including: Koreatown, Pico Union, Westlake, Inglewood, East L.A. and South L.A. It will also cover regional news and has partnerships with organizations that include LAist, CalMatters, L.A. Taco, Crosstown at USC, LA Public Press, the Los Angeles Sentinel and The Eastsider. The LA Local multi-pronged newsroom includes Boyle Heights Beat covering Boyle Heights and East LA, and the LA Documenters, which has recruited, trained and paid more than 100 Angelenos to document local government meetings.

“The expansion of The LA Local is a significant investment in the future of our city and county,” said Michele Siqueiros, founding CEO of The LA Local. “By rallying philanthropic support and media partners, we are ensuring Angelenos have the reliable information they need to navigate Los Angeles. We’ve already seen the power of local trusted news in action: Pop up polling locations opened in Boyle Heights where more than 2,100 residents were able to vote as a result of reporting by Boyle Heights Beat. And our partner LAist’s coverage of federal actions at White Memorial Hospital galvanized community stakeholders and demonstrators to demand the protection of patient privacy rights and healthcare workers. Our ongoing collaborations with L.A.-based outlets continue to strengthen the local news ecosystem. All show the power of community reporting and what neighbors stand to gain from news organizations coming together to build a collaborative and supportive news environment for L.A.”

Los Angeles is set to host major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will hold pivotal elections at the local and statewide level that will define the region’s direction for years to come. What it lacks are the resources to tell how those major events will affect communities. Despite being an entertainment and media epicenter, L.A. County has just 3.6 local journalists per 100,000 people, making it “dramatically undercovered,” according to the Local Journalist Index.

“Most journalism treats neighborhoods as stories to cover,” said Kristen Muller, Executive Editor of The LA Local. “The LA Local treats them as communities to serve—we’re building newsrooms inside neighborhoods so residents have the information infrastructure they need to participate fully in democracy. It’s not just coverage, it’s connection.”

The LA Local adopts a nonprofit model – combined with rigorous journalistic standards anchored by independence, professionalism and accuracy – that guarantees every dollar is reinvested directly into neighborhood reporting.

This community-first structure allows local journalists to focus solely on what matters to the people they serve, and ensures information and coverage is always free. The result is journalism that offers more independence, and builds a community newsroom that reflects Los Angeles, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential beats.

In addition to Siqueiros and Muller, The LA Local is supported by a founding Board of Directors that includes local journalism, community, and philanthropic leaders with deep roots in and a passionate commitment to Los Angeles. That commitment has led to philanthropic investments from The American Journalism Project, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, The Spiegel Family Fund and others.

“The LA Local is the product of a shared passion for Los Angeles among leaders in journalism, community, and philanthropy,” said Monica Lozano, Board Chair for The LA Local. “We are committed to building a durable institution that serves and empowers the city and its vibrant neighborhoods for years to come.”

About The LA Local

Previously the LA Local News Initiative, The LA Local is a new nonprofit news organization built to strengthen Los Angeles by connecting neighborhoods through trusted, community-centered journalism. While filling critical reporting gaps in neighborhoods throughout Southern California, The LA Local also provides region-wide coverage, partnering with 24 local media outlets and universities to engage and connect communities. The LA Local multi-pronged newsroom also includes youth journalists and LA Documenters, a program that has recruited, trained and paid more than 100 Angelenos to document local government meetings. Learn more about The LA Local at: https://thelalocal.org/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0112-s2p-thelalocal-300dpi.webp

Photo caption: A member of The LA Local’s community engagement team speaks with a resident in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Photo Credit: The LA Local.

Logo link: https://thelalocal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-the-la-local.svg

NEWS SOURCE: The LA Local

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The LA Local), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-la-local-launches-new-publications-serving-10-additional-neighborhoods/

What AI ‘Near Me’ Gets Wrong in Atlanta – And How Not to Overpay

Local SEO expert Christopher Williams shares a 60‑second checklist to verify AI "near me" results and avoid hidden fees

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) –– Elite Web Professionals today announced a free 60‑second checklist designed to help Atlanta residents verify AI‑generated “near me” service recommendations and avoid hidden fees. As AI‑powered search now surfaces plumbers, HVAC technicians and locksmiths before consumers even click a website, the company warns that these algorithms often suggest providers across town or with opaque pricing, outdated hours and “24/7” claims, so people need to double‑check before booking.

Image caption: Christopher Williams, President of Elite Web Professionals, created the 60-second checklist to help consumers verify AI ‘near me’ results.

HOW “NEAR ME” REALLY WORKS — AND WHY IT MISFIRES

AI search tools assemble answers from business listings, review snippets, websites and mapping APIs. That compilation is fast but lacks context: models may weigh proximity “as the crow flies” and ignore Atlanta’s traffic chokepoints, or they repeat stale hours and prices when a business doesn’t update its profile. Common misfires include service‑area mismatches, outdated hours, missing licensing or insurance, pricing ambiguity (trip fees, diagnostics, after‑hours premiums) and imposter or duplicate listings.

“These aren’t rare glitches — they’re everyday frustrations,” said Christopher Williams, president of Elite Web Professionals. “Generative AI isn’t malicious, but it’s mechanical. It can’t feel what five‑o’clock traffic on I‑75 or I‑285 does to a ‘near me’ promise.”

THE 60‑SECOND ATLANTA CHECKLIST

Before you call or click, do a one‑minute verify — no apps required:

Map + Traffic (10 sec): Drop a pin on your address in Google Maps or Waze. Is the provider truly in your service zone once traffic is considered?
Profile Freshness (10 sec): Check the company’s Google Business Profile for updated hours, service areas and current photos.
Reviews Reality Check (20 sec): Sort reviews by “Newest” and scan a few from nearby neighbourhoods. Look for details about fees, timeliness and scope of work.
License & Insurance (10 sec): For trades and regulated services, verify credentials via Georgia state boards or local portals.
Price Clarity (10 sec): Ask whether there’s a trip fee, diagnostic minimum or after‑hours premium, and request a written estimate.

“An AI answer is advice, not a booking,” Williams added. “Two quick checks — service zone and newest reviews — prevent most costly mistakes. AI should shorten research, not replace judgment.”

Image caption: Atlanta skyline – representing the city where Elite Web Professionals helps local businesses master AI-powered search.

ATLANTA NUANCES THAT TRIP UP AUTOMATION

Neighborhood lines and commute patterns complicate “near me.” A contractor in Smyrna might be closer than one in East Atlanta at noon but not at 5 p.m. Coverage areas also change by job size: some teams cross the Perimeter for full installs but restrict emergency calls to a smaller footprint. AI rarely distinguishes those nuances unless owners spell them out.

FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES: KEEP AI ACCURATE

Williams urges owners to treat AI like an amplifier of whatever data they publish:

Keep your Google Business Profile current: update hours, service areas, photos and holiday hours.
Publish a clear Fees & Policies page explaining trip fees, diagnostics, after‑hours rates and warranties.
Use neighborhood‑specific imagery and captions (e.g., Buckhead, Midtown, West End, South Fulton) to boost relevance.
Encourage detailed, local reviews that mention the area, job type and outcome.
Regularly monitor AI answers and request corrections when snippets get details wrong.

“Responsible AI depends on responsible data,” said Williams. “Owners who keep information accurate earn trust — and better visibility.”

HOW THE CHECKLIST SAVES MONEY

Real‑world examples illustrate the value of the checklist:

HVAC after hours: A “24/7” claim hid a $185 emergency fee for a College Park homeowner; the price‑clarity question would have surfaced it.
Plumber across the Connector: A Smyrna address added an hour and cost a Kirkwood homeowner a flooded basement; a 10‑second map check would have avoided the mistake.
Locksmith surcharge: A “$29 service call” in Midtown ballooned to $189 with nighttime pricing; sorting reviews by “Newest” reveals the pattern.

CONSUMER TAKEAWAY

AI search is evolving fast, and Atlanta is a testing ground for hyper‑local results. A one‑minute verification turns “near me” suggestions into near and fair outcomes. Use the checklist to confirm location, credentials and fees before you book — and avoid the wrong drive, the wrong rate or the wrong company.

For a full analysis and downloadable checklist, visit https://www.advertisingbusiness.org/ai-search/

ABOUT ELITE WEB PROFESSIONALS

Elite Web Professionals is an Atlanta-based web design and SEO firm helping service businesses attract, convert and retain local customers. Founded by Christopher Williams, the agency pairs conversion‑focused design with search strategy to deliver measurable growth across Metro Atlanta. Williams advises on AI‑aware local marketing — from profile completeness and review strategy to hyper‑local content and ethical automation.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Williams, President
Elite Web Professionals
+1 (404) 477-4819
cwilliams@advertisingbusiness.org
https://www.advertisingbusiness.org/

NEWS SOURCE: Elite Web Professionals

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Elite Web Professionals), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/what-ai-near-me-gets-wrong-in-atlanta-and-how-not-to-overpay/

Yiftee Enables Contactless ‘Tap & Go’ Payments, Teaming Up with Mastercard and Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank

Collaboration Brings Added Convenience and Security when Redeeming Community Cards at Local Businesses

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) –– Yiftee, a leading provider of Community Cards that “Keep Local Dollars Local,” announced the launch of contactless Tap & Go capabilities for their virtual Community Cards that support over 700 communities and over 20,000 local businesses. Developed with Mastercard and Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, this latest innovation is expected to help drive spending to local shops and restaurants across the country, fueling the “shop local” movement.

Image caption: Tap & Go payments are now available for Yiftee Community Cards and eGift Cards at over 20,000 local shops and restaurants, for added convenience and security.

Contactless payments today account for more than two in every three in-person transactions globally on Mastercard’s network as shoppers and merchants continue to prioritize faster, safer and simpler payments experiences. Now, Community Card (CommCard) recipients can enjoy this added convenience, increasing the cards’ already widespread applications. For example, employers buy them for employee recognition programs, non-profits use them for volunteer appreciation, and local governments distribute funds for programs such as “shop local” campaigns, disaster recovery, mitigating construction disruption, and tourism. The funds remain in the community, benefiting its local businesses in addition to card recipients.

Local businesses can join a Yiftee Community Card program in their area at no cost and with no special equipment required, which helps them access new digital payments opportunities to support their growth. Built on Mastercard In Control for Mobile Payments, which helps enhance commercial card programs leveraging tokenization, Yiftee’s CommCard program will benefit users by providing secure and convenient digital cards that can be used anywhere Tap & Go contactless payments are accepted. Additionally, this helps local businesses increase acceptance and stay top of mind for customers whenever they open their digital wallet. For innovative FinTech solution providers like Yiftee, Mastercard’s In Control for Mobile Payments enables the seamless integration of virtual card numbers into digital wallets. These virtual card numbers come with robust built-in security features, ensuring that transactions are secure and protected against fraud.

“Mastercard is thrilled to team up with Yiftee to bring the power of contactless payments to their Community Cards and neighborhoods across the country,” said Mary Beth Livengood, Executive Vice President, Corporate Solutions, North America, Mastercard. “By combining our Tap & Go capabilities and In Control for Mobile Payments technology with Yiftee’s solution, we’re delivering a secure, convenient digital card experience—one that supports local businesses and helps fuel vibrant, thriving communities.”

“Since launching CommCards in 2018, they have taken off as an efficient way to share the fun experience of unique local businesses in an area while giving back to the community,” said Donna Novitsky, Yiftee CEO, “With contactless technology, we expect our customers to find even more creative uses for CommCards given the added convenience and security at checkout.”

“Silicon Valley Bank is proud to support Yiftee with its Tap & Go rollout,” said Jon Oakes, Managing Director of Commercial Cards. “Yiftee’s work in helping local merchants access new technologies and revenue streams is key to building resilient and thriving communities.”

Communities across the country use their CommCards to attract visitors and keep their spending local. In Utah, for example, Park City has launched their Mountainkind CommCard as a booking incentive for hotels, events, and experiences, guiding their visitors through local attractions. The Mountainkind CommCard has driven more than $50,000 in spending into local businesses in its first six months.

The Tap & Go collaboration is helping reshape local commerce—simplifying transactions, boosting economic development, and driving foot-traffic to local businesses in neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country.

About Yiftee:

Yiftee is the leading provider of Community Cards (CommCards), empowering local economies by driving revenue and foot traffic to local businesses. Operating in over 700 U.S. cities and serving 20K local merchants, Yiftee’s digital cards keep millions of dollars circulating locally each year. Cities nationwide use CommCards for economic development, tourism promotion, disaster recovery, workforce education, and more. Organizations and residents purchase CommCards online for employee rewards, tourism, and customer appreciation. Download the Yiftee iPhone app today and join the Shop Local movement. Learn more at https://yiftee.com/.

About Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank:

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of some of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial banking to companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity and venture capital industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and connections. SVB’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at https://www.svb.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0603-s2p-yiftee-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: Tap & Go payments are now available for Yiftee Community Cards and eGift Cards at over 20,000 local shops and restaurants, for added convenience and security.

NEWS SOURCE: Yiftee Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Yiftee Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/yiftee-enables-contactless-tap-go-payments-teaming-up-with-mastercard-and-silicon-valley-bank-a-division-of-first-citizens-bank/

RelyCircle Networking App helps Small-Businesses Get New Customers with Its Zero Up-Front Cost Referral System and Free Advertising on FB/Google

SECAUCUS, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- RelyCircle networking app offers small-businesses a Pay-Per-Sale digital advertising platform vs Pay-Per-Click by Google and Pay-Per-Impression by Facebook. The free "RelyCircle Business" app helps small-business owners gain new customers by requesting, tracking and incentivizing referrals from their existing customers. Business owners only pay a cash referral fee after - not before, as is the case with competitors - they have gained new sales.

The majority of that cash referral fee goes straight to the customer, rewarding them for their successful referral. In addition to customers sharing their referral on social media platforms, RelyCircle spends a portion of its revenue towards advertising the listed businesses for free on Facebook and Google.

For customers that enjoy recommending small businesses by giving well-deserved reviews on review sites, this is a game changer. Customers recommend small businesses via the RelyCircle App and earn cash rewards for each referral that leads to a new sale.

"Local business search is the most common type of query performed by consumers and RelyCircle provides the search results based on user recommendations and distance only, providing consumers with unbiased answers to their search," says CEO Minesh Chandarana.

RelyCircle aims to revolutionize social selling by giving businesses a platform to connect with a vast pool of customers without spending any money upfront for advertising.

And with the rising concerns over consumer privacy, RelyCircle's creators emphasize that consumer and business data is never sold in order to gain revenue. The app's sole source of revenue is referral fees.

The "RelyCircle Business app" is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. Businesses that register will be automatically be entered to win a $10K makeover.

More details and terms on the program can be found at: https://relycircle.com/business

Learn more about RelyCircle at: https://relycircle.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/7NUARYCZx5Q

RelyCircle networking app offers small-businesses a Pay-Per-Sale digital advertising platform vs Pay-Per-Click by Google and Pay-Per-Impression by Facebook. The free "RelyCircle Business" app helps small-business owners gain new customers by requesting, tracking and incentivizing referrals from their existing customers.

Related link: https://relycircle.com/

115 Sponsors Step Up to Engage Communities in Shop Local Campaigns

MENLO PARK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, more than 100 of Yiftee's almost 400 communities who use its Community eGift Card platform ran dedicated gift card grant or bonus programs to benefit their small businesses, helping them stay afloat. Who were the "hometown heroes" that sponsored these programs during tough times, and continue to do so?

Yiftee surveyed its communities and found some expected and some surprising results when they asked, "What was the source of funding for your community gift card bonus and grant programs?"

1 -- City governments were the first to step up: 26.3%

2 -- Individuals in the community chipped in: 23.7%

3 -- Local banks and other employers contributed: 15.8%

4 -- ARPA and CARES federal programs were used: 13.2%

5 -- Other sources included tourist and hotel tax reserves, Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Association/Main Street budgets, and other county and state funding.

Over the two years, Sponsors contributed $2.7 million for bonus cards, incentivizing additional Community eGift card purchases by town residents of $4.1 million. Grant and employee reward programs added up to an additional $5.4 million. Gift cards and bonus cards can only be spent at local merchants in the Sponsors' communities. These purchases often replaced national brand gift card purchases as Sponsors redirected their budgets to "shop local."

Local financial institutions and employers support their communities

"Both Prudential Financial, Inc. and Audible are strong supporters of the community in which their employees live and work," said Tamara Remedios, Owner of Xplore Communications, who organized the Newark, NJ Community Card program. "When I approached Prudential with the idea of sponsoring a bonus program, they were all in, contributing $25k. They especially appreciated that their contributions incentivized additional purchases by Newark residents of 2.5x more. Plus, the bonus cards get residents into the 100+ shops and restaurants who are participating in the program before they expire - so it's a quick boost to our local economy when our businesses needed it the most. Audible also jumped on board to give $10k to support marketing and special programs for the Newark Gift Card. Both institutions are the benchmark of being true community partners."

Towns multiply their federal grant monies by engaging residents in shopping local

Last month, Yiftee hosted a webinar featuring two live community case studies where CARES and ARPA funds were used as sponsorships. Like Newark NJ, Concord CA hosted 3 bonus program campaigns at the holiday seasons of both 2020 and 2021, and a mid-year summer 2021 program as well. The $40,000 in federal grants were complemented by $80,000 in resident purchases for a total benefit of $120,000 going to 65 local businesses.

Cutler Bay, FL took a different approach with their CARES funding. They distributed $500 Community eGift cards to 300 residents in need, and the cards could only be spent at qualified small businesses in Cutler Bay. They saw 97.3% of the value redeemed within 3 months - a double win for the residents and businesses with the same funding.

The Yiftee survey documented some great advice for other communities considering similar programs, such as "Give them [Sponsors] as many perks as possible! Put their logo on all marketing materials, spotlight them on social media and encourage them to buy gift cards for their employees or raffle them off as prizes throughout the year" and "Have a sign at their [merchants'] cash registers to remind purchasers to use their e-gift card at that establishment."

The Bemidji, MN Chamber of Commerce promotes a locally owned bank, grocery store and telephone cooperative as Sponsors, celebrating their community spirit with logos on the website, and recognition in local press and marketing materials. This way, the community knows and can appreciate that these Sponsors are covering program costs for people who purchase their Community eGift Cards. Their card works at 49 different shops and restaurants in the area, and the program is free for the merchants to participate.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves almost 400 communities and 13,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $27M in pandemic years 2020 and 2021. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://www.yiftee.com/ and/or email: sales@yiftee.com

Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/9qhm8D2NPaI

In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, more than 100 of Yiftee's almost 400 communities who use its Community eGift Card platform ran dedicated gift card grant or bonus programs to benefit their small businesses, helping them stay afloat. Who were the "hometown heroes" that sponsored these programs during tough times, and continue to do so?

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

Turrem Is Offering a Buy 1 Give 1 Listing Package to Benefit Small Local Businesses

WARE, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- For the first time, Turrem is proud to help customers purchase citation packages that benefit local small business owners.

Turrem, a Western Massachusetts-based web design and SEO agency, provides quality manual citation services. When purchased: The same service will go to a local small business or nonprofit organization of your choosing. Each organization will receive manually claimed business listings, removal of duplicates, submission for navigation, and a 300+ point local SEO audit.

Roberto Torres, owner of Turrem explains that, "When you purchase a business listing package, we will give the same citation service to a local small business of your choosing."

Turrem in web design and local SEO services that help small business improve their local marketing, including its Buy 1 Give 1 opportunity, which are all offered on its website at turrem.co/store.

Roberto Torres goes on to say that "citations, or business listings, contribute to a business's online presence by providing links back to their business website, and by giving consumers places to find their business on websites that already appear in search for more keywords."

What makes Turrem's service unique is that each listing is manually claimed and updated. There are no APIs used. This allows for the service, "to be a one-time cost to update dozens of quality citations for your business."

With online being such a competitive landscape, it can be difficult for local business owners to stay in front of local consumers and boost their organic web traffic. That's where Turrem comes in. With a focus on quality citations and business listings, Turrem's citation services are built-to-last and will lead to more exposure and awareness for your business online.

Turrem also says that its citation packages will "remove duplicate listings to reduce confusion and bad data. [Also], submission to data aggregators will get you listed in navigation apps."

Want to learn more about Turrem's Buy 1 Give 1 service?

In regards to giving back to the community, Turrem shares that, "upon purchase, you can then submit your business information and the business you wish to give to."

Interested in finding local marketing help?

Luckily for you, you can sign up for Turrem's newsletter to "subscribe for actionable tips each month to grow your local small business."

If you're ready to get started working with Turrem, the answer is simple. Please visit http://turrem.co/store today.

About Turrem:

Turrem is a web design and SEO agency that is based out of Ware, Massachusetts.

Official Company Mission: "To help small businesses grow so they can impact the people who live, work, and visit their communities."

Contact Info:
Name: Roberto Torres
Organization: Turrem
Address: Turrem, Ware, MA 01082
Phone: 413-277-8691
Website: turrem.co/

For the first time, Turrem is proud to help customers purchase citation packages that benefit local small business owners. Turrem, a Western Massachusetts-based web design and SEO agency, provides quality manual citation services.

Related link: https://www.turrem.co/

Yiftee Surpasses 200 Community eGift Card Programs

MENLO PARK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Yiftee, Inc., a leader since 2012 in local business eGift Cards, celebrates having implemented over 200 Community eGift Card Programs across the United States. Consumers, corporations, schools, hospitals and other organizations showed their heartfelt support of small business by buying millions of dollars' worth of cards that can only be spent in their local communities. Yiftee closed out 2020 on a high note, with many communities making over $100,000 in revenue for their local businesses.

The Yiftee Community Card Program has been helping small businesses across the U.S. weather the Covid-19 storm by offering a multi-brand eGift card that can be used at many participating businesses in a cohesive geography - a city, town, neighborhood or business improvement district. Branded for the community, these cards have many uses from personal to corporate, in addition to making the giver feel good for their connection to and support of the community. With potentially hundreds of choices for how to spend the card, multi-brand Community Cards are more versatile and valuable to buyers than any single-brand card.

Bonus Programs Multiply Funds Going to Local Businesses

Community Cards are available in places of all shapes and sizes. Many communities were able to run promotions during the holiday period, with bonus funds available from local employers, city governments, corporate donors, visitor bureaus and state and federal funding programs such as the CARES Act.

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Erie County, NY partnered to launch the Shop 716 card to support their almost one million residents and over 700 participating independent businesses. They launched in mid-November with a free promotional match utilizing CARES Act funding that resulted in an astounding $1.1 million in sales in eight weeks. The incredibly successful program was well received by the community and the merchants stressing the urgency to support local for the pandemic stricken businesses.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz expressed the continued need, "While we continue to balance the safety of the community and the much-needed commerce for our local independent businesses, the Shop 716 program emphasizes the shop local theme encouraging residents to assist in this effort. Keeping our businesses open helps them employ our family, friends and neighbors." Yiftee implemented six-figure holiday bonus programs in Boulder CO, Fenton MI, Frisco CO, Nashville TN, Royal Oak MI, Whatcom County WA and others.

On a smaller scale, in North Bay Village, FL, population 8,300, Community Card organizer Cynder Haines commented, "Yiftee has made it easy for us to distribute tens of thousands of dollars to support our residents and local businesses, and we're already seeing thousands of dollars more being spent. Yiftee is a great service, and it adds a lot of value for us as a small city. Thank you so much!" Yiftee has Community Cards in many more small towns like Del Mar CA, Hastings on Hudson NY, Lancaster SC, Pleasantville IA and Zelienople PA.

Employees Get Many Choices

"Evans Bank appreciates the leadership of Erie County and the Amherst Chamber in quickly mobilizing this program to support Erie County businesses in response to COVID-19," said David J. Nasca, President & CEO of Evans Bank. "We provided Shop 716 gift cards to all of our associates during the holidays and they greatly appreciated the opportunity to assist the stressed small businesses in our community when they most needed it. We continue to encourage our customers to shop local and our business clients to participate in the program."

Annette Cornish, Management Assistant, sent several dozen Downtown Hillsboro OR cards on behalf of her organization. "I have had feedback from several employees." she said. "They are very excited about the gifts and being able to support our downtown vendors. Your gift has been a morale boost during these hard pandemic times."

Simple to Create and No Cost for Organizers or Merchants

Communities interested in implementing a Community Card program can sign up for a demo. Starting a Community Card program is simple and Yiftee provides plenty of support and launch materials. Community Card programs are free for organizers and participating business and require no special equipment or PoS integration. They are redeemed as digital Mastercards(r) and merchants are paid by their Mastercard bank, subject to Mastercard's normal card-not-present transaction fee.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves more than 200 communities and 10,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises and chains.

More info at https://yiftee.com/ or email sales@yiftee.com.

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0126s2p-yiftee-300dpi.jpg

*CAPTION: Yiftee's locally branded community eGift cards work exclusively at shops and restaurants in an area, funneling millions of much needed dollars into small businesses.

Yiftee, Inc., a leader since 2012 in local business eGift Cards, celebrates having implemented over 200 Community eGift Card Programs across the United States. Consumers, corporations, schools, hospitals and other organizations showed their heartfelt support of small business by buying millions of dollars' worth of cards that can only be spent in their local communities.

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

Hoppon Announces Launch to Help Local Businesses Attract New Customers and Boost Revenue

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- 2020's stunning events have made e-commerce more important than ever for local businesses who want to succeed, and the innovative new grocery ecommerce platform, Hoppon, can help in a very exciting way.

In 2020, Chicago-based local businesses have faced challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic and other associated issues. These challenges have made taking new approaches to marketing, along with exploring opportunities to expand reach, vital for those who want to thrive.

The good news is that help is out there for those who know where to look. The new e-commerce grocery platform for Chicago, Hoppon, is here to assist.

Hoppon connects customers and hyperlocal businesses with its online e-commerce platform, with the aim of helping local businesses get new customers and boost revenue. This approach is geared to be a real "win-win" for all involved. To help local businesses in need, Hoppon is inviting shop vendors/owners in the Chicagoland area to list their shop on the platform through the end of December 2020, for free.

"We are committed to helping small businesses during these difficult times," commented Hoppon CEO, Shekar Dhandapani. "We are also entrepreneurs, and we understand better than anyone how much we have to help each other through this period. That's why we're here. More consumers are embracing mobile-based shopping, so running promotions and advertising on Hoppon can help local businesses get more customers in a relatively short period of time at a fraction of the cost they would otherwise need to spend for marketing."

Hoppon is a great choice for many local businesses. We especially focus on specialty shops with energy and spirit to serve local customers, including Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Greek, and other ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, and small businesses. Chicago is well known for local businesses of this type being the most authentic, high-quality choices in the entire United States.

The hyperlocal Chicago small business platform is quite easy to search, making it especially valuable for Chicago shoppers. The featured sales and discounts encourage customers to check in often to see what new offers might be available, along with verifying whether any interesting new businesses have jumped on board.

The early feedback for Hoppon has been positive across the board.

Christine S., from Chicago, recently said in her five-star review: "My husband and I love Greek groceries and restaurants. Hoppon has helped us keep track of what's happening and also connect with e-commerce options too. Highly recommend!"

For more information and to register a shop with Hoppon's platform through the end of December 2020 for free, visit: https://us.hopponworks.com/shop-register/

About Hoppon

Hoppon connects customers and hyper-local businesses with an online eCommerce platform. Hoppon helps local businesses get new customers and boost revenue. Hoppon is committed to helping small businesses during these difficult times. We are also entrepreneurs and understand better than anyone that we have to help each other through this period. And we are here to help. In addition, with more & more consumers embracing mobile-based shopping, running your promotions and advertising on Hoppon can get you, customers, in a relatively short period of time, that too at a fraction of the cost.

Hoppon connects consumers with small or independent grocers, specialty food stores, craft food purveyors and other quality food merchants in the Chicago, Illinois area. Grocers can sign up with Hoppon and select easily add their available inventory through a CSV file or to send the information to us and we add it. Delis, bakeries, and even specialty food markets are using the platform to make shopping more accessible.

We especially support the local specialty shops, including Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Greek, and other ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, and small businesses. Hoppon has apps in Google Play and the Apple Store. For more information or to register your shop, visit https://us.Hoppon .com/

2020's stunning events have made e-commerce more important than ever for local businesses who want to succeed, and the innovative new grocery ecommerce platform, Hoppon, can help in a very exciting way.

Related link: https://us.shophoppon.com

Hoppon Announces Launch of Hyperlocal Small Business Platform

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hoppon announces a newly launched hyperlocal app and online grocery and food marketplace for shopping online. With the era of COVID, many shoppers are having trouble getting groceries, for example. Using an online marketplace for the Chicagoland area, shoppers can discover new shops and order it for pickup or delivery. The online grocery platform for Chicago provides a necessary service for vendors to list their shops and attract new customers.

Hoppon is looking for new vendors to join the platform. Vendors can sign up for free and list their shop and products to provide pickup or delivery through December 31, 2020.

"Hoppon is committed to helping small businesses during these difficult times. We are also entrepreneurs and understand better than anyone that we must help each other through this period. And we are here to help," said CEO of Hoppon, Shekar Dhandapani.

Recent data released in a GeekWire article reported in March 2020 42 percent of consumers got their groceries online. The data compared to 22 percent in the same 2018 time period. Over 50 percent of those surveyed by GeekWire saw the current pandemic "permanently boosting their willingness to buy groceries online."

Shopping online and utilizing apps had become the most popular way to shop due to convenience. COVID-19 has sparked a trend in online shopping. Consumers who buy their shoes and cars online realize they don't have the time or want to take the time to hit the grocery store. Customers at a physical disadvantage, such as the elderly or handicapped, see the safety in grocery delivery.

Chicagoland grocery stores, restaurants, deli, and other specialty food owners intent on staying in line with the growing trend can list their shop with Hoppon for online shopping. Adding an eCommerce option to a local store is particularly critical to smaller businesses that hope to remain competitive. Shifting operations to accommodate consumer demand will be vital to survival in the market long after the coronavirus is in our rearview.

Hoppon connects businesses, buyers, and consumers with merchants and vendors. It allows for convenient shopping and interaction between vendors and customers. Shops can list their shop and inventory for online shopping. Our platform ensures safe transactions and allows vendors to provide pickup or delivery to the nearby area.

Online marketplaces like Hoppon are a connection that provides a high level of service to consumers and businesses. From finding products to paying for them to getting deliveries, everyone benefits from a smooth, responsible service.

Small or independent grocers, craft food purveyors, specialty food services, and other food merchants in Chicago shouldn't assume they can't compete with their larger competitors. Signing on with Hoppon, a company that focuses on smaller businesses, can make a deli, restaurant, or bakery as accessible as a major chain.

"We also make it easy for vendors to get started," said Dhandapani. "Hoppon connects consumers with small or independent grocers, specialty food stores, craft food purveyors, and other quality food merchants in the Chicago, Illinois area. Grocers can sign up with Hoppon and select easily upload their available inventory through a CSV file or send the information to us, and we add it. Delis, bakeries, and even specialty food markets are using the platform to make shopping more accessible."

Hoppon also offers a variety of features for business owners comparable to large chain stores like order notifications, and email updates. Keep yourself tech-savvy, let valued customers stay in touch, and new customers discover you through Chicagoland's eCommerce supermarket like Hoppon.

Hoppon's features also include vendors' ability to run promotions to customers. Promotions empower shop owners to reach new customers and keep existing ones. We've added this feature to help vendors drive traffic to their online shop and to their physical shop.

"Marketplaces like this ensure that independent businesses can be technologically up-to-date and quick to serve consumers as giants like Amazon, Whole Foods, and Walmart," said Dhandapani.

Hoppon's app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Vendors can register for free to add their shop. Visit Hoppon to list a Chicago area shop here: https://us.shophoppon.com/register-shop/

About Hoppon

Hoppon connects customers and hyper-local businesses with an online eCommerce platform. Hoppon helps local businesses get new customers and boost revenue. Hoppon is committed to helping small businesses during these difficult times. We are also entrepreneurs and understand better than anyone that we have to help each other through this period. And we are here to help. In addition, with more & more consumers embracing mobile-based shopping, running your promotions and advertising on Hoppon can get you, customers, in a relatively short period of time, that too at a fraction of the cost.

Hoppon connects consumers with small or independent grocers, specialty food stores, craft food purveyors and other quality food merchants in the Chicago, Illinois area. Grocers can sign up with Hoppon and select easily add their available inventory through a CSV file or to send the information to us and we add it. Delis, bakeries, and even specialty food markets are using the platform to make shopping more accessible.

We especially support the local specialty shops, including Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Greek, and other ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, and small businesses. Hoppon has apps in Google Play and the Apple Store. For more information or to register your shop, visit https://us.shophoppon.com/register-shop/

Web logo: https://us.shophoppon.com/wp-content/themes/Hoppon/assets/img/website_logo.png

Hoppon announces a newly launched hyperlocal app and online grocery and food marketplace for shopping online. With the era of COVID, many shoppers are having trouble getting groceries, for example. Using an online marketplace for the Chicagoland area, shoppers can discover new shops and order it for pickup or delivery.

Related link: https://us.shophoppon.com