Sebring CRA launches consumer incentive program

The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has launched a new consumer incentive program designed to spur economic activity in downtown Sebring and help consumers save money this holiday shopping season. 

The program, called Buy Downtown Sebring, officially launched on Dec. 1.

Participating downtown Sebring merchants, which are listed at www.BuyDowntownSebring.com are offering exclusive discounts and instant savings to all consumers who have a Buy Downtown Sebring card. The wallet-sized cards are free and can be picked up at participating merchants, the CRA office (368 S. Commerce Ave.), the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce offices (227 U.S. 27 N. or 309 E. Circle Park), the Highlands County CVB (501 S. Commerce Ave.) or print one online at www.BuyDowntownSebring.com.

Shoppers will present their Buy Downtown Sebring card to the merchant when making their purchase to benefit from the offer. Merchants participating in the program will be indicated by window stickers. With nearly 25 participating merchants, shoppers can save money on everything from museum admission, pet items, education and art supplies, flowers, invitations, china, giftware, clothing, art, pottery, furniture, dining, shoes, books and gardening items.

A press release from the CRA said that according to an economic analysis, for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $45 goes back into the community and local tax base, and for every $100 spent at a non-local chain store, only $13 comes back to the local area.

"The Buy Downtown Sebring program is beneficial for consumers and our local economy," said CRA Executive Director Pete Pollard. "We hope Sebring residents and visitors alike take advantage of these savings and support our small business owners in downtown Sebring who are the backbone of our economy."

For more information about this program, visit www.BuyDowntownSebring.com. For more information, about the CRA and Downtown Sebring, visit www.DowntownSebring.org.