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Beginning in June, Marion businesses will get a boost thanks to the generosity of their peers. The CommUNITY Cash program is designed to infuse dollars to retailers, restaurants and services who have been affected by COVID-19. Since early May, the Marion Chamber of Commerce has been accepting sponsorship dollars from area businesses wanting to fund an impactful program. An idea that started with Kevin King, Market President with Ohnward Bank & Trust. “This has been a wonderful show of community support and unity,” said Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber President. “This effort started with a few financial institutions coming together with a contribution to fund certificates redeemable at businesses. It’s grown beyond that category and we are excited to be sending over $12,000 of CommUNITY Cash into Marion sponsored by 14 area businesses” CommUNITY Cash certificates will be in $25 increments and distributed by the sponsors through random acts of kindness, customer gifts or employee appreciation. Recipients of the certificate will be encouraged to match the value incenting a $50 transaction. They will be redeemable June 1 – 30, 2020 on goods and services at participating Marion businesses. At the end of the redemption period participating businesses will turn in CommUNITY Cash to the Marion Chamber for reimbursement. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community so it’s important to quickly jumpstart their sales,” said Kevin King. “I am so proud of how the financial institutions in and around Marion came together to fund this program. It is just another great example of how we together ‘Reach higher’!” Any money remaining in the fund after August 1, 2020 a donation will be split between the Churches of Marion Food Pantry and Marion Cares, who both play an important role in the well-being of the community. For a full list of participating businesses accepting CommUNITY Cash and sponsors visit Marioncc.org/cc.