Shopping & Retail

Chamber Shop Local Summer Stimulus Check Information

Ohio Attorney General sues CertifiChecks

Cordray asks the court to hold CertifiChecks responsible for reimbursing consumers and to declare that the company's actions violate the law. He also asks the court to impose upon CertifiChecks a civil penalty of at least $25,000 for its violations.

Consumers who lost money to CertifiChecks should file a complaint with Attorney General Cordray's office at SpeakOutOhio.gov for by calling (800) 282-0515.

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.

Monday, June 1, 2009

From: Molly Grover, President & CEO
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce

Re: Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Certifichecks Resolution: "Shop Local Summer Stimulus"

Dubuque, IA | Since the announcement that the Ohio-based company, Certifichecks, abruptly ceased operations on February 27, 2009, Chamber staff and leadership have been working feverishly to resolve the situation and provide consolation for impacted CertifiCheck holders. At the April Board meeting, The Board of Directors for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to support a Certifichecks replacement program recommended by President and CEO, Molly Grover.

Beginning today, June 1, 2009, holders of Certifichecks with an issue date after February 1, 2008 are able to trade in their valueless Certificheck for a new locally backed Shop Local Summer Stimulus check. The amount is an equal trade and can be used at over 250 participating Chamber member businesses. The Shop Local Summer Stimulus checks are pre-printed to "DBQ Chamber of Commerce Member Business" and can be accepted and deposited by Chamber member businesses just like cash or a check.

The Shop Local Summer Stimulus Program will conclude August 31, 2009. Holders of Shop Local Summer Stimulus checks must use them at Chamber member businesses by August 31, 2009. Holders of Certifichecks must bring them to the Chamber office for replacement. Issuance of the replacement checks began today, June 1, 2009 and must be done in person at the Chamber office Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Information is also posted at www.dubuquechamber.com.

This solution supports our local business community, supports our Chamber member businesses and supports the Chamber's original intent of the program to encourage and stimulate the local economy. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We were forced into an unfortunate situation, but after careful deliberation and intensive information gathering we are confident this solution is in the best interest of our members and our organization.

Chamber Shop Local Summer Stimulus Check Information for Chamber member businesses to accept the Chamber Summer Stimulus Checks:

• Begin accepting the Summer Stimulus checks as of June 1, 2009.
• The official Summer Stimulus check will display the Chamber logo and be embossed with the Chamber seal in the upper left hand corner. Each check has a routing and check number.
• Accept and deposit the Summer Stimulus check just like cash or a check.
• Accept with confidence due to locally run program.
• Summer Stimulus checks are pre-printed to "DBQ Chamber of Commerce Member Business"
• Do advertise and let consumers know you accept the new Summer Stimulus checks.
• Do provide change for the Summer Stimulus checks in accordance with your store/business policy.
• Do educate your employees on the new Summer Stimulus check.
• Chamber Summer Stimulus checks come in denominations of $5, 10, 20, 25 & 50
• Accept the Summer Stimulus checks through August 31, 2009.

For Consumers holding defunct Certifichecks:
• Trade your old Certifichecks for new Summer Stimulus checks at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, 300 Main Street, Ste. 200, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
• Old Certifichecks must have an issue date of February 1, 2008 or after in order to be traded in for a Summer Stimulus check.
• Do use them in over 250 participating Chamber member businesses.
• Summer Stimulus checks are pre-printed to "DBQ Chamber of Commerce Member Business"
• Chamber Summer Stimulus checks come in denominations of $5, 10, 20, 25 & 50
• Use your Summer Stimulus checks by August 31, 2009

Sincerely,

Molly Grover, President & CEO
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
563.557.9200

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

From: Molly Grover, President & CEO
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce

RE: Certifichecks Resolution: "Shop Local Summer Stimulus"

Dubuque, IA | On February 27, 2009, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and chambers of commerce across the country learned suddenly, without warning or prior notice that CertifiChecks, Inc., the company which administered gift certificate programs for chambers and other organizations, had ceased operations and was filing for bankruptcy effective immediately. The failure of Certifichecks, a Dunn and Bradstreet listed business, has impacted nearly 500 organizations and 80,000 merchants in 47 states nationwide.

On a local level, this unsettling news left area consumers and Chamber member businesses in an unfortunate situation as the Certifichecks became virtually worthless. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce realized that the difficult situation would require time, attention and thoughtful review in order to achieve an appropriate resolution. Over the past two months the Chamber has researched, consulted with legal counsel, conferred with national trade organizations and gathered information. In order to assess the scope of the situation the Chamber logged inquiries, identifying over $50,000 in unused Certifichecks through a call to action request.

The Chamber arrived at the solution at the April Board meeting, voting unanimously to support a Certifichecks replacement program recommended by Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Molly Grover. Beginning June 1, 2009, holders of Certifichecks with an issue date after February 1, 2008 will be able to trade in their valueless Certificheck for a new (locally backed Chamber account at US Bank) "Shop Local Summer Stimulus" check. The amount will be an equal trade and can be used at over 250 participating Chamber member businesses. The "Shop Local Summer Stimulus" checks will be pre-printed to "chamber member business" and can be accepted and deposited by Chamber member business just like cash or a check. The Shop Local Summer Stimulus will conclude August 31st, 2009. Holders of "Shop Local Summer Stimulus" checks must use them at Chamber member businesses by August 31st, 2009. This solution supports our local business community, supports our Chamber members businesses and supports the Chamber's original intent of the program to encourage and stimulate local purchases.

"Although no plan is full-proof, the Shop Local Summer Stimulus supports our mission and our priorities as an organization. The Chamber is creating spending power via this summer stimulus. We are supporting our Chamber members. Bailout? I don't see it that way. This is an opportunity, quite possibly a defining moment, and our Chamber will be better and stronger because of it. The Chamber should always serve, promote and protect our members, our business community deserves that - you can take that to the bank!!!" stated Molly Grover, President & CEO of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce.

Holders of Certifichecks must bring them to the Chamber office for replacement. Replacements will not be issued until June 1, 2009 and must be done in person at the Chamber office Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Information will also be posted on the website.

Sincerely,

Molly Grover, President & CEO
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
563.557.9200

Date: March 6, 2009

From: Molly Grover, President & CEO
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce

RE: Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Assesses Scope of CertifiChecks Issue

Dubuque, IA | On February 27, 2009, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and chambers of commerce across the country discovered that CertifiChecks, Inc., the company which administers gift certificate programs for chambers and other organizations, had ceased operations and intends to file for bankruptcy.

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to assess the scope of the CertifiChecks situation requests holders of unused, unexpired CertifiChecks to submit their information to www.dubuquechamber.com/play/certificates.cfm or call the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce at 563.557.9200 by March 31, 2009.

Please have your unused, unexpired CertifiCheck in hand as the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce will log the holders contact information and the amount, issue date and serial number of the CertifiCheck. The Chamber would also like any Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce members who have had CertifiChecks returned without payment to also submit their information.

"We thank our member businesses and the community for their patience and collaboration as we gather information. We realize the sudden and immediate end of CertifiChecks is a difficult situation. As a significant holder of unredeemed, unexpired CertifiChecks, we share in the disappointment and frustration by numerous members, merchants and consumers," stated Molly Grover, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

The only information CertifiChecks Inc. has provided has been via their website. Holders of CertifiChecks can view the statement at www.certifichecks.com.

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is working through the details of this unfortunate situation and will post updates as they become available to www.dubuquechamber.com/play/shoppingnretail.cfm.

CertifiChecks, Inc has been in business since 1999 and is listed on Dunn and Bradstreet. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce has participated in this nationally known program since 2002. 450 organizations including the US Military and over 60,000 local and national merchants in 47 states are affected by the news.

DATE: March 2, 2009

TO: Chamber Members

FROM: Molly Grover, President & CEO
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce

RE: Certifichecks Ceases Operation

Late Friday afternoon, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and chambers of commerce across the country discovered that CertifiChecks, Inc., the company which administers gift certificate programs for chambers and other organizations, has ceased operations as of Thursday, February 26, and intends to file for bankruptcy.

We were not contacted directly, but rather learned of the program termination through the company's website, www.certifichecks.com. Numerous attempts by our national trade association to reach the firm's office and officers have been unsuccessful. Regulatory agencies have been contacted and are examining this action by CertifiChecks, Inc.

CertifiChecks, Inc has been in business since 1999 and is listed on Dunn and Bradstreet. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce has participated in this nationally known program since 2002. 450 organizations including the US Military and over 60,000 local and national merchants in 47 states are affected by the news.

We apologize for this significant inconvenience and we share in the shock and disappointment that the program was ended without notice. The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is working diligently to serve, protect and provide more information to our members.

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is working through the details of this unfortunate situation and will post updates as they become available.

Sincerely,