Passport to Colfax closes

The Passport to Colfax campaign wrapped up Dec. 18, with Sandy Passmore claiming the Chamber tree full of more than $200 worth of gift cards.

The Chamber of Commerce sponsored the program, which was to encourage consumers to shop locally, especially around the holidays.

Colfax’s Unified Executive Director Valoree Gregory told the Gazette Saturday that many people reported to her that they completed all of their Christmas shopping in Colfax in order to earn stamps on the passports.

“I had a number of people say that to me,” said Gregory.

Gregory also said that one person turned in 15 passports, equaling out to 85 stamps. She noted that the average return was around three or four passports per person. Approximately 500 of the cards were submitted for the drawing. Each passport required six stamps from different businesses to be eligible for the drawing.

Business operators reported that their customers were encouraged by the program.

“It was nice,” said Margo Balzarini at Palouse River Quilts. “People seemed to be excited about it.”

Though Balzarini said that she didn’t see a boost in business due to the passports, noting that most people purchase materials for holiday quilts in the summer months, she still said it was a good program.

Shelly Elkins at Flowers and More called the event “the Chamber’s best idea.”

“My customers enjoyed it. It helped to have great interaction with my customers,” she said. “At the end of the day, it is about customer service.”

Elkins reported that even people from Moscow who shopped at her store were interested in it, and some of them even mailed their passports back for entry. She added that it was a great way to promote other businesses, as she would tell her customers where else they could collect stamps.

“I think that it is important that we promote each other,” she said.

Many people reportedly want to see the passport come back next year. Elkins said she hopes it will and added that she hopes it comes out sooner next year.

“I think next holiday season it would be good,” she said. “Maybe bring it out sooner, like in November.”

Gregory said the Chamber does plan to make changes to improve the program next year.

“We have learned a lot from it, but I think for it being the first time it was very successful,” she said. “It was fun to see people bring their cards in and doing something a little different and getting involved in Colfax.”