Voorhees Residents Can Shop Their Way To A Lower Property Tax Bill
By Syma Chowdhry
VOORHEES, N.J., (CBS) -- Imagine shopping your way to a lower property tax bill!
Voorhees Township has rolled out a new rewards program promoting local business.
It's the first of its kind in South Jersey.
Voorhees Deputy Mayor Harry Platt said, "We would like to make sure people who live in Voorhees are aware of their local businesses, the great services and products they provide."
Voorhees residents and businesses sign up at www.ShopVoorhees.com
When residents shop at participating retailers - a percentage of the purchase price will be tracked in their account. At the end of the year -- the total will be taken off of homeowner's tax bill - while renters receive a rebate check.
"It is a win-win-win situation for everybody involved," Economic Development Director Michael Marchitto explained.
Business owner Frances Leone jumped at the chance to sign up for the program. She owns Cookies by Design and offers customers a 7% savings on each purchase.
"What I really want to have is where the local community knows who I am," Leone said. "I've had people walk-in say, 'I didn't know you were here. I found you on the Shop-Voorhees program."
This is how it works. Customers make a purchase, then hand the merchant the rewards card. After a swipe, the information will be emailed to the shopper and it will be under their account that they can track online.
Marchitto explained, "To see what their balance is, where they spent the money, what store it was and how much of a rebate they got."
Shopper Freya Cohen has already saved $25 and is looks forward to track more savings. "I buy things that I really need. I like to shop in Voorhees since I live in Voorhees and I don't mind my taxes being affected by it in a good way either."
For more information log onto: http://www.voorheesnj.com/shop-voorhees-info.php
