Think Franklin First | A Community Re Introduction

Learn how to Accept This Card in Your Business

Attention all Franklin business owners! You're invited to a free informational event to learn how your business can participate in the 'Think Franklin First' gift card program. Join us on February 26th at 7 PM at Dean Bank. The 'Think Franklin First' gift card is a community initiative designed to support our local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally. These gift cards can be purchased online or at Dean Bank and are accepted at a wide variety of local businesses, shops, and venues, making them the perfect gift while keeping spending within our community. By attending this event, you'll discover how your business can become a participating merchant, the benefits of joining the program, and how to maximize your exposure to local consumers. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and contribute to the growth of Franklin's local economy.  Remember, registration is required to attend. We look forward to seeing you there! Sign Up Here   A great way to support our local economy, while providing the flexibility of use! The Think Franklin First Gift Card will be accepted at a wide variety of local businesses, shops, and venues! Makes the perfect gift, all while keeping it local!  Learn More about the Program Have questions? Please email Cory Shea Director of Arts Culture and the Creative Enconomy[cshea@franklinma.gov] Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Check out gift cards before you buy them

Check out gift cards before you buy them By Andrew Rayo Doing some holiday shopping? Here's a type of gift card scam to look out for: scammers can get the gift card number and PIN before you buy the card.  So if gift cards are on your holiday shopping list, keep reading. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/check-out-gift-cards-you-buy-them? Check out gift cards before you buy them

Only scammers tell you to buy a gift card to pay them

Only scammers tell you to buy a gift card to pay them By Yajie Mu Did someone tell you to buy a gift card to pay a fine or bill?  Stop. It's a scam.  No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. Here's how to spot and avoid gift card scams. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/only-scammers-tell-you-buy-gift-card-pay-them?

 

Only scammers tell you to buy a gift card to pay them

Escape into Fiction halts gift card sales; still accepts them

Given the pending sale (and or closure) of Escape Into Fiction, they have halted sales of their gift cards to avoid the risk of not being able to redeem them in the future. They are still accepting gift cards for redemption.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5le2rGOmqK/

Escape into Fiction halts gift card sales; still accepts them

Keep your money safe from gift card scammers this holiday season. Here’s how

Keep your money safe from gift card scammers this holiday season. Here's how By Cristina Miranda What's one way to keep your money safe from scammers during the holidays?  If you're in the check-out line buying gift cards, make sure they're for gifts. Only gifts.  Not because someone tells you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers off the back of the card. Only scammers say that. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/keep-your-money-safe-gift-card-scammers-holiday-season-heres-how

Keep your money safe from gift card scammers this holiday season. Here’s how

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not By Cristina Miranda Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That's a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/if-you-paid-scammer-gift-card-your-money-gone-maybe-not

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

Wright Old School Chocolate adds Gift Cards

Give the Gift of Delicious Chocolate with Wright Old School Gift Cards! I hope this email finds you well! At Wright Old School Chocolate, I am commit

Give the Gift of Delicious Chocolate with Wright Old School Gift Cards! I hope this email finds you well! At Wright Old School Chocolate, I am committed to providing you with the finest, most delicious chocolate, and would like to share news with you. I am now offering gift cards for purchase on my website. The gift cards are the most convenient gift for any chocolate lover in your life, or for yourself! They can be redeemed for any of my products, from chocolate bars to drink mixes and nibs. Gift cards are easy to purchase and can be sent directly to the recipient, making it the perfect last-minute gift. Plus, you can choose the perfect amount to suit your budget and the occasion (like Valentine's Day). To purchase a gift card, simply find the gift card section of the home page (as shown above).  If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with a direct message (DM) on Instagram to @WrightOldSchoolChocolate or use the contact page on the website. Thank you for your support and I look forward to sharing my delicious chocolate with you again or for the first time! Wright Old School Chocolate Website Have a Wonderful Day, Peter W. Carlson Wright Old School Chocolate ©2023 Wright Old School Chocolate | 127 Old West Street, K2, Walpole, MA 02081 Web Version     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®

Have you seen the Franklin Downtown Partnership Holiday Events and Gift Guide?

Check out the Holiday Events and Gift Guide newsletter featuring Franklin businesses!

https://conta.cc/3UTgSIu

Franklin Downtown Partnership Holiday Events and Gift Guide

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page ->

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2022/11/holiday-events-and-gift-guide.html

’Tis the season to spot and avoid gift card scams

'Tis the season to spot and avoid gift card scams By Kira Krown Looking for a New Year's resolution? Here's one for you: Keep your hard-earned money safe from scammers by spotting and avoiding gift card scams. Then help others spot and avoid them, too.  Scammers want you to pay with gift cards because they're like cash: once you use a gift card, the money on it is gone. But what do gift card scams look like?  Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/12/tis-season-spot-and-avoid-gift-card-scams ’Tis the season to spot and avoid gift card scams

Senator Rausch talks with Sarah Mabardy (Facebook live - 03/25/22) (video)

Having left Facebook, I try not to encourage folks to go there but in this instance, the 30 min (or so) conversation is worth spending some time with. Senator Becca Rausch prompts Sarah Mabardy to share some great nuggets of info that are well worth implementing (if you haven't already).

For example: Sarah talks about her service orientation, facilitating "word of mouth," and her idea of "everyday impact."

Video link -> https://www.facebook.com/beccarauschMA/videos/266734962322974

And a reminder that the Franklin First Gift Cards can be used all year, not just around the holidays  -> https://franklingiftcard.com/

Senator Rausch talks with Sarah Mabardy (Facebook live - 03/25/22) (video)

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

To answer a frequently asked question: YES! Think Franklin First Gift Cards are reloadable! Bring your card to our amazing partner, Dean Bank, and add funds anytime! (Cash only!) 

Keep one ready to use in your wallet at all times as a reminder to #ThinkFranklinFirst!  

Status update: we have sold over $47,000 worth of gift cards! Thank you for the support!

Do you have one to spend? Visit www.franklingiftcard.com for a current list of participating businesses!  

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/491291672237940/

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle

"FHS family, friends, and fans - Thank you so much for taking the time to view our fundraiser page. Your support is greatly appreciated. 

For every $10 you spend, you will receive one raffle ticket to win a Visa gift card: 1-$100 card, 2-$50 cards and 4-$25 cards. ($20 donation gets you two tickets, $30 gets you three tickets, etc.) Drawing to be held in April when the campaign ends. 

Please help these exceptional young men, who are working hard to represent their school and community, reach their goal. 

Please spread the word about our fundraiser by sharing it with your friends via Text, Email, Facebook and Twitter. We greatly appreciate any support! Go Panthers!"

Visit the page to donate 

https://www.snap-raise.com/v2/fundraisers/franklin-football-gridiron-club-2021#/

Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle

#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!

"We are excited to share that 2 new businesses are accepting the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card! You can now use your card at Mirchi Indian Cuisine and at Night Owl Farm!  

Do you have a Franklin Gift card?  Check out the 40 different businesses where you can redeem them!  These cards are helping our local economy by boosting local spending AND covering processing costs thanks to our generous sponsor, Dean Bank!  

Businesses are redeemed 100% of the funds spent at their locations! Random Smile Project has helped make this initiative possible by donating their time and energy to assist with administrative tasks.  We are so lucky to live in such a supportive community! 

Gift cards are always available both online and at Dean Bank.  www.franklingiftcard.com #supportlocal #shoplocal #giftlocal"

Shared from the Town of Franklin page on Facebook: 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=461047405262367&id=109645590402552

A full listing of the participating businesses can be found

https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!

Another business on the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card listing to visit

Another local business has joined the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card program!  We welcome Lotus Lash to the list of participating businesses! 

Gift cards can be purchased at Dean Bank  right in Downtown Franklin or online at www.franklingiftcard.com 

 

#LocalBusiness #LocaSupport #ItMatters #ShopLocal #SpendLocal

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/451347476232360/

You can use the #ThinkFranklinFirst card make your purchase as part of the #ProjectEnvoy eat out/take out, help out effort!

 

Another business on the #thinkfranklinfirst gift card listing to visit

BerkShares are an early version of #thinkfranklinfirst gift cards

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Last spring, shortly after it became clear that COVID-19 was more than just a little flu and that local shops would be down and out for more than just a little while, America got to wondering: How can we save small businesses?

Many commentators demanded quick federal relief. Some consumers went on gift card shopping sprees. And 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang tweeted a proposal combining the two — government-issued debit cards redeemable only at locally owned small businesses.

The Twitterati mostly condemned Yang’s idea as “stupid,” “impractical,” and “useless.” And the debit cards never came to pass; consumers got stimulus checks and small businesses got Paycheck Protection Program loans instead.

But a piece of his idea — a currency that could only be spent at local businesses — has been a fixture of life in Massachusetts’ southern Berkshires since 2006."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/24/opinion/when-money-is-running-short-print-your-own/

FTC Consumer Alert: New tools to fight gift card scams

New tools to fight gift card scams by Cristina Miranda Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC This holiday season (and year-round), gift cards are on scammers' wish lists. Scammers always have a reason for you to pay them immediately with a gift card. And they often tell you which card to buy and which store to visit. That's why the FTC is launching a new Stop Gift Card Scams campaign to work with stores and law enforcement to fight these scams. And it's also why the FTC has taken another look at reporting data to see what's happening lately. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/new-tools-fight-gift-card-scams?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FAQs for #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards

It's been two weeks since our #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards launched and we are so happy with the amazing response!  

We wanted to share a few frequently asked questions with the community: 

1. Cards can be purchased for ANY denomination if they are bought at Dean Bank. Cards purchased online at www.franklingiftcard.com have a $25 minimum, due to processing fees.  
2. Cards can be purchased with cash only at Dean Bank, and with credit/debit cards online.
3. This program is not only running during the holiday season! It is our hope that these cards become part of the Franklin shop local mentality. The cards do not have an expiration date.
4. The list of participating businesses will continue to evolve.  Check the website for the most current list.
5. The businesses listed have agreed to accept and honor the cards at their locations, although you may not be able to add a tip on the cards. Please be prepared for that 🙂 
6. A printable list of Participating Businesses is now available on our website here https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses
7. And finally, this is purely an Economic Development initiative! Businesses are 100% reimbursed for any cards redeemed at their location. 

Thank you for your continued support! 

• Dean Bank 
• Random Smile Project

Shared from the Town of Franklin Facebook page => 

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTownofFranklin/posts/418016829565425

FAQs for #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards

FM #408 Talk Franklin - 12/04/20 (audio) - #thinkfirstfranklin gift cards, tax rate, spear phishing, etc.

FM #408 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 408 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• December closing the year out
• #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards
• Tax rate hearing
• Comcast contract
• Spear phishing update

We’ll record a session of Talk Franklin each week leading to Christmas and take the holiday week off to begin again in 2021

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. 

Audio file = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/December-2020-in-Franklin-Tax-Rate--Spear-Phishing--Comcast-and-Franklin-Gift-Cards-enhdje

 

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#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards  https://franklingiftcard.com/ 

Town Council meeting agenda and docs
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing 

Town Council meeting summary
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-comcast-contract.html

Spear phishing presentation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-of-franklin-spear-phishing.html

Business Listening Session - Dec 9
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/business-listening-session-3-dec-9-2020.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updates the Town Council during the 12/02/20 meeting