Transition underway to Shop the Southern Tier Gift Cards

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is transitioning away from its long-running paper gift certificate program, with sales of new paper certificates set to end on May 29, or while current supplies last.

The milestone follows the successful launch of the Shop the Southern Tier Gift Card Program in December — a modern, flexible alternative that has already seen strong community adoption, said Adam Jester, marketing and business consultant to the Chamber.

“In fact,” he said, “more than 500 gift cards were sold in the program’s first nine business days, highlighting the demand for a more convenient and versatile way to shop local.”

The gift cards were introduced to provide an easier experience for both customers and participating merchants, replacing a system that, while popular, became increasingly complex to manage in today’s evolving banking and retail environment.

The new program offers two convenient options:

• Physical gift cards: Available for purchase at the GOACC Gift Shop (301 N Union St.) or online for shipment anywhere, these cards function like a traditional Mastercard gift card and can be used exclusively at participating GOACC member businesses, ensuring those dollars stay local.
• e-Gift Cards: Delivered to a recipient’s inbox within minutes, these are ideal for last-minute gifts for members of the community — whether the buyer is across town or across the country.

Both options can be purchased online at OleanNY.com/giftcardinfo, making it easier than ever to support local businesses from anywhere.

Jester said, unlike the legacy paper certificates, Shop the Southern Tier Gift Cards never expire, providing lasting value and flexibility for recipients.

HONORING A LONGSTANDING COMMUNITY PROGRAM

Since 1995, GOACC’s paper gift certificate program has been a cornerstone of local gift giving. Generations of residents have used the certificates to keep spending local and support small businesses throughout the Southern Tier.

However, as financial processing policies, fraud prevention standards and accounting requirements have evolved, the paper-based system has become increasingly cumbersome for both merchants and administrators. The transition to a card-based system ensures a smoother, more secure and more scalable experience for all participants — and ensures the long-term future sustainability of this important program.

Important dates and redemption information:

• Final sale date for paper gift certificates: May 29 or while supplies last. No additional paper certificates will be printed once current inventory is depleted.
• Existing certificates remain valid: All previously issued paper gift certificates will continue to be honored through their applicable expiration dates.

For certificates that list an issue date instead of an expiration date, the following schedule applies:

• As of Jan. 1, 2026: Certificates issued before Jan. 1, 2021 have no remaining value
• As of Jan. 1, 2027: Certificates issued before January 1, 2022 will have no remaining value.

Beginning in 2023, certificates began including printed expiration dates for clarity.

GOACC encourages anyone holding paper gift certificates to check their dates and redeem them with participating businesses before expiration.

Meanwhile, dcommunity members who prefer the paper format are encouraged to purchase them soon, as they will not be restocked.

CONTINUING THE MISSION TO SHOP LOCAL

Jester said the transition to the gift card program represents GOACC’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses while adapting to modern expectations and technologies.

“The addition of the online e-Gift card option gives out of town buyers a fast and easy way to send a gift to their friends and family in the Olean area, bringing additional dollars into our local economy instantly,” he said.

For more information, to purchase gift cards, or to view participating businesses, visit OleanNY.com/giftcardinfo or contact the GOACC at Info@OleanNY.com or (716) 372-4433.