Haines Main St (Corinne Smith/KHNS)

The Haines borough allocated $45,000 of federal CARES Act funding to a “shop local” initiative to support the local economy. Known as the “byHaines Local and Save” program, it provides vouchers for discretionary purchases, and there’s still about $7,000 left to spend before it expires on Tuesday. 

The program provides $100 in gift vouchers for every $300 spent at local businesses around town, for the month of November.

Sally Anderson is the executive director of the Haines Economic Development Corporation, which is administering the program along with the Haines Chamber of Commerce.

“What it is, is designed to stimulate local spending in Haines by giving people a little boost,” Anderson said.

Residents can spend their $300 at a variety of participating businesses. She says it’s  for discretionary items only.

“Clothing, furniture, tools, art books from the bookstore, if you want to get a massage, bring me the receipt, and that’ll count as well. Haircut,. You know, if you’ve been thinking about purchasing something, this is a good time to do it, because you will get a little bit extra back,” she said. 

Residents can then submit receipts online at the HEDC or Chamber of Commerce websites or in-person at their offices, and pick up two $50 vouchers. Each individual over 18 is eligible. 

The program does not provide for groceries, fuel, utilities, medical bills, or alcohol.

Anderson says there are still about 140 vouchers left, so about $7,000 to claim by the end of November.

“All of this spending has to be completed in November,” Anderson said. “And then the gift certificates do have to be used by the end of the year. Because this is CARES money, or federal cares money.  But some people are getting creative and buying… you know, people are booking photo sessions and sort of using them later, things like that, or buying a gift certificate to use later if they’re not quite sure what they want to buy right now.”

The byHaines program was spearheaded last year by David Simmons, who was the executive director of the Haines Economic Development Corporation at that time. He was one of two residents killed in last year’s Beach Road landslide. Anderson says he was passionate about the initiative and supporting local businesses and the economy. 

“Well, it’s sad. I feel for those people who are having that flashback,” Anderson said. “But also, it’s it’s nice to remember David into think about him, he was a really just fun, vibrant person… I’ve had a lot of people come in and say, you know, last time I was in this chair was talking to David. And, you know, at the same time of year… so I think people are thinking about him.”

More information and to submit receipts for the byHaines program, check out the Haines Chamber of Commerce website here.