The Downtown Dollars gift certificates have changed size and design a handful of times since the program
began in the mid 1990’s. But the latest design change is the most eye-catching yet, according to
organizers. It’s in full color and contains an artist’s rendering of the downtown from the Heritage 2000
Project.
While the certificates have a new look, their important features have not changed. Downtown Dollars
certificates are issued in $5 increments, and are available for sale at Calico, Sage, & Thyme,
115 Clay St., and the Downtown Bowling Green office at 121 E. Wooster St.
The certificates are honored at most downtown shops, restaurants, and services, as well as at several
locations outside the downtown. The regular Downtown Dollars never expire and there is no service fee.
The new certificates will start circulating in a few weeks, but you’ll still see the old design
circulating alongside for a while.
There is a statement on the face of the new certificate “When You Buy Locally You Invest in the
Community.”
Barbara Ruland, director of the organization that issues the certificates, said this statement is central
to the program. “The Downtown Dollars program was started by community members who wanted to support
locally owned businesses. They’re key players in supporting community initiatives, and the Downtown
Dollars program makes it easier for people to support those businesses.”
There’s no additional cost to the consumer or the business for using Downtown Dollars. All the expenses
are covered by the Downtown Bowling Green organization.
“Supporting the downtown is the core of our mission,” Ruland said. “We think this is one great way to do
it.”
Kelly Wicks, owner of Grounds for Thought and a former president of the downtown organization, said the
certificate program was initiated by Frank Day, Vice President of Human Resources at Wood County
Hospital. For the past 16 years, the hospital has used Downtown Dollars in their holiday bonus and
employee recognition programs. Several other organizations and businesses also use the certificates in a
variety of ways, including as customer referral rewards and customer appreciation gifts.
Downtown Bowling Green is a non-profit organization that strives to enhance and stabilize the economic
vitality of the central business district through long-term improvement projects and ongoing promotional
and maintenance activities.