New Discount Deal Program - Try It Local

The Rochester Business Alliance recently launched a program called Try It Local, an electronic discount program featuring local retailers, restaurants, service providers and other businesses.

Under the program, new deals are offered once a week at a deep discount of 40-90 percent off regular price (i.e., $20 of food and drink at a restaurant for $10). The offers are delivered to Try It Local subscribers via email, social media, and TryItLocal.com.

There is no cost to people who want to sign up for Try It Local - click here to receive deal alerts. There also is no cost for companies wishing to offer a deal, but businesses participating must be RBA members.

"Try It Local is an exciting way to explore new businesses and experiences in Rochester, while at the same time supporting the local economy and area companies," said Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance. "The Try It Local program not only supports local retailers themselves, but the work of the chamber as well."

Try It Local works like this:

• A local business offers a product or service at 40 percent off or more. Deals could include discounts at local retailers, bars, salons, dry cleaners, attractions and special events.
• The Deal program is offered to participants by email, on TryItLocal.com and via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
• Interested buyers click through to purchase the offer. Anyone can participate. There is no cost to sign up for Try It Local.
• Buyers print off the voucher and redeem it at the local business.

There is no cost to businesses to participate as a featured deal. The company keeps 70 percent of the day's total sales and is responsible only for determining the deal and preparing to meet the increased demand for its product or service.

The first deal arrived June 22, 2011, and a new deal will be released every Wednesday thereafter featuring businesses such as Pier 45, Argyle Grill, Glengarry Inn and The State Street Bar & Grill.

"We're excited to bring the Try It Local concept to Rochester and partner with such a great Chamber. Try It Local is just another great example of the Chamber's focus on helping the local business community," said Try It Local President, Todd Earwood.

The Try It Local program has helped consumers across the country save over $516,000 by using these vouchers and has sent over 16,000 customers to featured local businesses.

Rochester residents and business owners can visit www.TryItLocal.com/Rochester for more information and to sign up. Or, to speak to someone at the Rochester Business Alliance about the program or chamber membership, call Ellen Rosen at (585) 256-4616.