Release Date: March 17,2021
Mayor Horrigan Announces Akronite App Expanding to More Akron Neighborhoods
Akronite App, powered by Colu, now has 170 participating businesses
Akron, Ohio, March 17, 2021 — Today, Mayor Horrigan has announced that the Akronite app is expanding into more Akron neighborhoods following the successful launch into Downtown, Highland Square, University Park, Pilgrim Square, and West Hill. Akronite has now begun expanding into Merriman Valley, Middlebury, and Maple Valley. Since the app’s launch in August 2020, more than 4,400 users and 170 local businesses have participated in the points-based rewards system for spending dollars locally.
"The app has proven even more successful than we originally hoped for," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "What we initially envisioned as a way to help our local businesses get through the crushing impact of the pandemic, has proven to be a successful effort to promote and highlight Akron owned businesses in the long-term as well. We remain committed to investing in these entrepreneurs."
"The results speak for themselves," said Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development James Hardy. “When you see that we’ve had a positive economic impact of over $200,000 since the launch of the app, it just goes to show that incentivizing shopping locally really does work to get people in the door and supporting our Akron businesses.”
As the app expands into other Akron neighborhoods, interested businesses are encouraged to sign up to join by filling out this form: Be a Local Business on the "Akronite" App! Representatives from the City will then reach out to finish the registration and educate business owners on how to participate. It is free for businesses to take part. The City has set its sights on signing up businesses in the Middlebury, Maple Valley, and Merriman Valley neighborhoods next and has already added 4 new businesses from those areas: Marques, Compass, Eighty-Three Brewery, and LaBelle's Barber Parlor.
Matthew Moore, owner of Leaf home and blooms, is a participating business owner with the Akronite app. He had this to say about the app: "What I like about the Akronite app is that it’s fueling Akron pride! People seem excited to come spend money with local Akron businesses. The best part is, they keep coming back to redeem more. This money is all staying in the local economy, helping us all!"
The app is free to download on Apple or Android Devices. You can simply click here or search for “Akronite” in your app store. After downloading the app, you link a card to get started and then you can start earning and redeeming Blimps right away. 1 Blimp is equal to $1 to spend at participating businesses. Right now, the City is running several promotions including 30% back in Blimps when shopping at Black-owned businesses or at a business on Main St. All new promotions will be starting at the beginning of April so be on the lookout for all the ways to participate and earn more blimps!