Support FL businesses with Go Local Discount Card—and it’s free!
Holiday District Manager Greg Gerlach looks at a free Go Local Discount Card at the store, 1208 W. Broadway Ave. Both the gas station locations on either side of the freeway in Forest Lake have seen the impact of road construction due to the corridor improvement project. (Photo by Jennifer Mevissen)
Jennifer Mevissen
Staff Writer
Eighteen Forest Lake businesses are hoping the public takes them up on values offered with a free Go Local Discount Card.
“There’s a diverse mixture of products and services,” says Colleen Eddy, president of the Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Each business – those impacted by the Broadway Avenue Improvement Project – has a special deal on the double sided discount cards that fit neatly in any wallet. All offers are valid up to one time per day until the expiration date on Dec. 31, 2011.
Tamra Kennedy, owner of Taco John’s in Forest Lake, spearheaded the idea offering frequent users specials, but said it’s truly a partnership between the area businesses.
“They’re terrific,” she said of the cards at last week’s neighborhood meeting held at her fast-food restaurant, 1966 W. Broadway Ave., Suite 106. “I’m excited for the variety of offers,” Kennedy added.
The Go Local Discount Card can be picked-up at all participating businesses; American Legion Post 225, BP Gas, Broadway Car Wash, Burger King, Culver’s, ERA Muske Company, Holiday Gas, Jiffy Lube, Koppy Motors, Mansetti’s, McDonald’s, MGM Wine & Spirits, Taco John’s, Tires Plus, UPS Store, Walgreens, Wally McCarthy’s Chevrolet-Cadillac, and Whitaker Buick GMC.
Each business contributed $20 towards the cost to print the discount cards and for the display holder. State Farm Insurance agent Jesse Johnson, Forest Lake, provided additional funds.
Greg Gerlach, district manager for the five area Holiday stores, said that both the gas station locations on either side of I-35 in Forest Lake have seen the impact of road construction due to the corridor improvement project.
However, he has an optimistic outlook on the work. Gerlach believes the interchange and streetscape will draw more people off the freeway and into the community.
“I think it’s going to look great,” he said.
Open for Business
Mindy Leadholm, Washington County’s business liaison on the project, said they’re continuing the “Where’s the Redstone concrete truck?” search. However, it’s been modified. There will still be multiple clues as to the toy’s location, but now you only need to spot it once instead of four times.
“Hopefully that will get more people to participate,” she said of the change.
Your job is to find that pint-size concrete truck – and support Forest Lake businesses along the way, she said. To enter into the second drawing, pick-up a game piece at city hall or print one from the following websites: www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us or www.broadwayaveforestlake.info. Find the toy in just one of its locations, write down where and when you see it.
Attach at least five receipts from any of the local businesses affected by the construction project and turn it in at Forest Lake City Hall, 220 N. Lake St. by Wednesday, Aug. 31.
The city’s Economic Development Authority has also stepped up to make sure that motorists know that Forest Lake is “Open for Business” during the road construction. A billboard was put up June 6 before the I-35E/35W split.
The total cost of $20,000 was covered by the EDA and area businesses. The sign’s location will change three times over a six month period.
