Giving Local Means More – Buy319 Gift Cards

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has always worked to champion a local-first mindset, making it a priority to amplify that messaging exponentially since the flood of 2008. First, it was with the Rally Cap campaign, then with Buy. Give. Grow., and for the past three years, the Buy319 message. As part of their year-round buy local efforts, they are launching a new addition to the Buy319 rally cry with the Buy319 Gift Card program.

These Buy319 Gift Cards allow individuals or businesses to purchase eGift cards in increments ranging from $5-$250 that may be spent at any Economic Alliance member local business that chooses to participate in the program. Currently, participating businesses range from cookies and artwork to pickleball and transportation services. As the program is new and gaining momentum, additional companies accepting Buy 319 Gift Cards will be added to the list daily.

Perfect for holiday gift giving

Launching in November of 2024, the Buy319 Gift Cards are coming at a perfect time – holiday gift giving. Dollars spent locally have a positive ripple effect within our community. Purchasing a Buy319 Gift Card allows gift offerings from a wide range of local businesses- from retail and restaurants to services and entertainment. The purchase of a single card allows for use at any participating Buy 319 business, making them perfect for your family, colleagues, friends, and any occasion. It’s the gift that keeps on giving back to our community – Give the gift of local by visiting www.buy319.com to get your gift cards today.

“Supporting local is still so important to the success of our community,” said Doug Neumann, executive director at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “While we promote ‘buy local’ all year long, we want to remind the community of all the amazing businesses in this area that can provide wonderful products and services. Each dollar spent locally returns an average of 3X more to our community than buying elsewhere. Giving a Buy319 Gift Card is the ultimate gift –one that supports your local business community.”

Buy319 Gift Cards are currently available for purchase at www.buy319.com and will remain available going into 2025 and beyond. The cards can be sent directly via email to any recipient and can then be used at any participating merchant. Gift cards can also be purchased in bulk by companies who are considering giving the gift of local to their clients or employees, making for a simple and effective way for organizations to give and give back at the same time.

“Giving local means more. Offering this opportunity for individuals to buy one gift card to support many seemed like an obvious offer for us to make as we continue to champion all things buy-local"

– Jule Day, Director of Marketing & Communications at the Economic Alliance.

“The best gift we can offer to our members and community is an opportunity to support each other. And that is exactly what we are doing with the Buy319 Gift Cards.”

Buy your gift cards and check back often to the growing list of participating businesses at www.buy319.com. The Economic Alliance would like to thank their buy local supporting sponsor, GreenState Credit Union, for their continued partnership on growing the buy local message in the Cedar Rapids Metro area.