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How did the gift certificate program originate?
The idea was originally generated through the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICCCVB). After a successful launch in November 2004, the idea was brought to the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. With the help of the ICCCVB and our four program partners, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Hills Bank and Trust Company, the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Gazette Communications, our community gift certificate program launched in July 2006.
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Where can I purchase a Community Gift Certificate?
The gift certificates can be purchased at:
Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
424 1st Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Marion Chamber of Commerce
790 11th Street
Marion, Iowa 52302
Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
119 1st Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Hills Bank and Trust Company - Downtown
240 3rd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Hills Bank and Trust Company - Southwest
3610 Williams Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Hills Bank and Trust Company - Marion
800 11th Street
Marion, Iowa 52302
Hills Bank and Trust Company - Mt. Vernon
720 First Avenue South
Mt. Vernon, Iowa 52314
Hills Bank and Trust Company - Lisbon
103 West Main Street
Lisbon, Iowa 52253
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Is there a service charge associated with the gift certificates?
Yes. A nominal service charge is added to the sale of a gift certificate to help cover operational costs associated with the program. The Chamber and its partners do not net a profit from the gift certificate sales. Below is the service charge scale:
- Purchase 1 - 4 gift certificates = $1.00 total service charge
- Purchase 5 - 10 gift certificates = $2.00 total service charge
- Purchase 11 - 20 gift certificates = $3.00 total service charge
- Purchase 21 - 50 gift certificates = $4.00 total service charge
- Purchase 51 or more gift certificates = $5.00 total service charge
**Purchasing more than $300 in gift certificates during a single sale will waive all service charges. Service charges are waived for all businesses purchasing gift certificates.
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In what denominations can the gift certificates be purchased?
Gift certificates can be purchased for any whole dollar amount between $5.00 and $100.00 per gift certificate. Any purchase more than $100.00 will be split between multiple gift certificates. For example, if a purchaser would like a $150 gift certificate, we would provide a $100.00 gift certificate and a $50.00 gift certificate (or any other split the purchaser may want).
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What forms of payment are accepted?
Gift certificates can be purchased with cash, VISA, or MasterCard. Personal checks are not accepted. Businesses purchasing gift certificates can use a corporate check; however no purchase orders are accepted.
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Can I purchase a gift certificate by telephone or online?
Yes! You can purchase gift certificates via telephone by using your VISA or MasterCard or you may fill out our online gift certificate order form and a Chamber staff member will contact you to complete your order and take your credit card information over the phone. The Chamber will mail your gift certificate(s) to you via certified mail. A $7.50 shipping and handling fee will be added to your order. To place an order via telephone, please call:
Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
319.398.5317
Attn: Cindy Klein, Director of First Impressions
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM or Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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How do I arrange to purchase a large quantity of gift certificates?
If you plan to purchase 15 gift certificates or more, please contact the Chamber at 319.398.5317 prior to your arrival. The Chamber staff will need some time to process your order. Gift Certificate orders must be picked up and paid for on the SAME day they are ordered.
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Where can I redeem my gift certificate?
The gift certificate is accepted at any participating business in Linn County. A list of current participants is enclosed with each gift certificate and a complete list of participants can be found here. This list will change frequently as we continue to add more participating businesses.
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Do the gift certificates expire?
No. The Community Gift Certificates do not expire.
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Will businesses issue another Community Gift Certificate or store credit as change for a transaction?
No. Remaining balances related to the gift certificate will be returned in cash as stores do not have the ability to issue another Community Gift Certificate.
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Do the participating businesses still offer their own gift certificates?
Yes, most participating businesses will still have their own gift certificate program. The Community Gift Certificate program is a great supplement to their individual programs because it provides a greater range of shopping opportunities. Please see individual businesses for any questions relating to their individual programs.
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What do I do if I have difficulty redeeming my Community Gift Certificate?
You should not have any difficulty redeeming a Community Gift Certificate if they are listed as a participating business (please see our complete list here). However, if a problem does exist, please contact Jeff Schamberger at the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319.398.5317 at your earliest convenience.
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Where can I find the community photos used in your gift certificate design?
The photos were taken by Gazette photographer Mark Tade. Many photos are available for sale by calling The Gazette at 398.8211.
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