Bank program encourages area customers to shop local

A plan by Callaway Bank to encourage more Fulton area residents to shop at local businesses is working, says Debbie LaRue of Callaway Bank.

LaRue said the Shop Local Rewards program created by the bank allows Callaway Bank debit card holders to redeem points they earn in the bank's Rewards program for gift cards or gift certificates that can be used at participating local merchants.

"More and more local merchants are becoming participants in the program," LaRue said.

Some businesses are also offering Shop Local Double Points as a way to thank customers for their business.

A business must be a Callaway Bank customer in order to participate in the Shop Local program, LaRue said.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.