Submitted by Sara Mendillo
(February 23, 2024) — The Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC) is pleased to announce “Bridge Bucks,” a new two-year funding program for retail, retail services, and restaurant businesses located in Haddam and East Haddam.
The “Bridge Bucks” program is a way to incentivize customers to re-visit businesses affected by the Swing Bridge closures on Route 82 and rotary construction on Route 154. This idea was brought forward by East Haddam First Selectwoman Irene Haines and, as the first reimbursable funding program in the State of Connecticut, the program will serve as a Pilot to see if this is something that can be replicated for future major construction project disruptions. Funded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, $10 “Bridge Bucks” coupons will be distributed to eligible businesses to share with customers, encouraging them to shop, despite the traffic delays, and redeem the “Bridge Bucks” on their next visit. The program is designed to boost sales for the businesses that are experiencing lost revenue due to construction-related disruptions. MCRC encourages retail, retail services, and restaurants located in Haddam and East Haddam to build “Bridge Bucks” into a fun and innovative marketing campaign, and to apply to participate. Applications open on March 11, 2024, and will be accepted and approved on a rolling basis. MCRC Administrator Rebecca Mead has scheduled two virtual information sessions as outlined below:
March 4, 2024Bridge Bucks Program Information Session7:00 p.m. Via ZoomREGISTER HERE March 7, 2024Bridge Bucks Program Information Session10:00 a.m. Via ZoomREGISTER HEREFull program information and application can be found on https://mxcrc.org.
If you have questions on this program, please contact Rebecca Mead at 860-510-6238 or email Rebecca@middlesexchamber.com.
