JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS/WOOD) — Consumers Energy is ringing in the holiday season by giving $750,000 in matching gift cards Michigan communities through its “Our Town” effort.

Consumers Energy is providing $5,000 to $40,000 to 63 chambers of commerce and downtown organizations, including the following in West Michigan:

  • Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce
  • Fremont Chamber of Commerce
  • Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce
  • Greenville Chamber of Commerce
  • Hastings-Barry County Chamber of Commerce
  • Holland West Coast Chamber of Commerce
  • Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce
  • Ionia Chamber of Commerce
  • Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership
  • Lowell Chamber of Commerce
  • Ludington Downtown Development Authority
  • Marshall Economic Development Alliance
  • Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
  • Otsego-Plainwell Chamber of Commerce
  • Portland Downtown Development Authority
  • Rockford Chamber of Commerce
  • Saugatuck Douglass Business Association
  • Sparta Chamber of Commerce
  • Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
  • Wayland Chamber of Commerce
  • White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

With the company’s gift, visitors who buy gift cards through local chambers of commerce and downtown organizations get double the amount to spend at downtown businesses.

Some local chambers of commerce say they almost sold out of the doubled gift cards within a day.

“It’s a huge influx of income that they will receive which they may not have. The interesting thing about gift certificates and gift cards is it might not be your normal customers, it might be a new customer for life,” said Liz Baker with the Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

“Consumers Energy is excited to again support Michigan’s small businesses and communities we serve this holiday season. ‘Our Town’ made an impact across Michigan last year, and we look forward to seeing the program’s dollars and shoppers give a boost to shops and restaurants in their hometowns.”

Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience

The offer is available at participating chambers of commerce and downtown organizations while funding lasts. Those interested in the deal should contact the local chamber of commerce or downtown organization directly.

The Muskegon Chamber of Commerce hasn’t started its Our Town gift card program yet, but you can buy matching gift cards from the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to noon and Dec. 14, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.