County Meath Chamber launch re-loadable gift card to boost local businesses

County Meath Chamber launch a local re-loadable gift card Initiative In a first for Ireland in support of Meath business

Meath GAA is an ambassador for the exclusive County Meath Chamber Mí Meath gift card programme which was developed with the support of local Meath business man Noel Moran and Meath County Council.

County Meath Chamber today Monday 26th April launch a re-loadable shop local solution exclusive to County Meath. Businesses in Meath that accept Mí Meath cards will be rewarding customers who shop locally by offering discounts whenever the reloadable prepaid card is used in-store. The scheme has been developed with the support of a well known local Meath Business

Mí Meath is aimed at keeping the local economy booming by encouraging consumers to spend in the county and keep money circulating in the locality. The Mí Meath prepaid, reloadable, contactless, chip ‘n’ pin cards can be spent online or instore anywhere in Meath in businesses registered in the county.

With no reducing balance or hidden fees, the Mí Meath scheme offers peace of mind to consumer who might worry about buying vouchers in case the business closes or worries that they will lose their voucher and therefore lose their money. Mí Meath cards can personalised and ordered online or picked up in the Chamber or in participating stores and loaded in real-time by electronic transfer for immediate spend. Mí Meath cards are reloadable, so you can top-up and continue to spend local to avail of exclusive offers. It’s a Royal Win Win!

John Kavanagh, Chairman at Meath GAA, stated: ''Meath GAA is happy to support the Mí Meath initiative in conjunction with County Meath Chamber. As a community-based sporting organisation, with its roots in every parish in the County, we understand the valuable relationship our clubs have with local businesses. Now, more than ever, we believe it is vital to shop local and support those businesses in our communities. The Mí Meath card offers a unique opportunity to support these businesses and jobs.''

Paula McCaul, CEO at Meath Chamber, “As a county led Chamber we champion our county as one and we are inclusive of everyone. We are inviting every business in every town and village in Meath to register to accept Mi Meath cards so that there is equality of opportunity and choice of spend for the customer.

"Registration is FREE through mimeath.ie and there are no hidden charges, annual fees or implementation costs to participate in the scheme. Mí Meath cards work through the existing card terminals and e-commerce websites and any income generated from the schemes commission will be reinvested into its promotion and ongoing development.

"We are currently working through the backlog of registrations to ensure businesses are fully approved to accept Mi Meath cards which will become available for sale as the economy re-opens”

Paula continues “The Mí Meath scheme has been made possible through the support of fourteen businesses within the Chamber business network who have been involved in every element from development to design and print, marketing, pr, compliance, legal, financial, data protection etc. Thank you to all involved!”

Jackie Maguire, CEO at Meath County Council, said: ''Meath County Council is delighted to support the Mí Meath initiative. The Council recognises the challenges facing Meath businesses, and we want to support all efforts that the business community is making to get up and running again. This is a win-win for everyone involved; supporting local will help to ensure our businesses survive and once again thrive. 92% of businesses across Ireland and in Meath are micro and small homegrown companies, many of which are family-owned. Supporting local businesses is also supporting local families, local jobs and the local economy.''

John V Farrelly, President of County Meath Chamber: “A tailor made product like Mí Meath does not come into place overnight. I champion the collaboration between all parties, the result of which will ultimately benefit the business communities of Meath at a time when they need it most. County Meath Chamber is leading the way and I have no doubt that Mí Meath will be the envy of every county in Ireland.”

Colm Mc Manus (Meath LGFA Chairperson)

Meath LGFA are delighted to throw our support behind the County Meath Chamber and their new ‘Mí Meath’ spend local initiative. Meath LGFA know how valuable local businesses are to our clubs and to the local community in the County, and we would like all our supporters and members to get behind the Mí Meath initiative.

Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aisling Dempsey, Vice Chairperson at Meath County Council, noted: ''As we continue to move into a recovery phase, it is important that people support their local industries and suppliers. This initiative gives us the opportunity to do just that. All businesses have experienced severe difficulties over the period of lockdown, it is crucial that the community has the confidence and motivation to support them when they start opening their doors again. The success of the Mí Meath initiative relies on everyone getting involved. This can only be as good as we make it.'

Merchants can register through www.mimeath.ie. Further details please call County Meath Chamber on 046 9046060