Aiken Downtown Development Association
208 A The Alley
Aiken, South Carolina 29801
(803) 649-2221
proudly supporting Aiken, South Carolina
(803) 649-2221
Aiken Downtown
Development Association
Making a Difference!
In these tough economic times businesses have to be creative and think outside the box. It's also important that the community pull together for support. It is in that vain that we would like to share what one of our member businesses has done to help their fellow businesses.
Lionel Smith Ltd. has created their own "stimulus" program for downtown Aiken. From now until December 15, 2009, they will issue a "stimulus check" to their client for the amount of sales tax on their qualified purchases of $200 or more. The "stimulus check" will be written for payment to a fellow ADDA Member business of the client's choice.
The client simply makes a minimum purchase of $200.00 at Lionel Smith Ltd., pays the sales tax and then chooses an ADDA Member business with which to spend the "stimulus check". Lionel Smith Ltd. will write the "stimulus check" to the chosen business for the amount of tax the client paid on their purchase. The client uses the "stimulus check" to make an additional purchase at their chosen business. The chosen business accepts the "stimulus check" as they would any other check issued for payment.
This is not a gift certificate program. Lionel Smith Ltd. has actually set up a special checking account with which to run the program. The funds are basically recycling the tax money that the client has already paid. So in essence Lionel Smith Ltd. is sharing 7% of their income with local downtown businesses. How much more community minded can you get?
The money is not a "savings" for the client, but pushed back into the community in the form of this "stimulus check". Uncle Sam's got nothing on Lionel Smith Ltd. Kudos to Van Smith for coming up with such an innovative idea to help stimulate spending in downtown Aiken!
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Van personally
at 803-648-2100 or 1-800-800-2101.
