FRANKLIN COUNTY, MA — A $10,000 investment from Gagne Wealth Management Group is expected to generate more than $20,000 in local spending as the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Gagne Wealth Management prepare to launch the second annual ‘Buy-$25-Get-$50’ Gagne Wealth Gift Card on Wednesday, June 10th.

Starting at 9AM, the Gagne Wealth Management Group will match every $25 Franklin County Gift Card purchase, giving customers $50 in local spending power and supporting Franklin County small businesses with every swipe. Every dollar generated through the promotion can only be spent at participating Franklin County businesses, creating a direct and measurable investment in the local economy.

“Our goal here is to make spending locally the easiest and most rewarding choice people can make,” said Franklin County Chamber Executive Director Jessye Deane. “You don’t need a code or a coupon- you just buy a $25 Franklin County Gift Card on June 10th, and it instantly becomes $50 you can gift or spend at dozens of participating businesses across the county.”

Gift cards can be purchased online through a dedicated Gagne Wealth Management Group checkout page on the Chamber’s website, where a $25 bonus is automatically added to a single $25 e-gift card at checkout. Gift cards can also be purchased in person at the Franklin County Chamber office at 393 Main Street in Greenfield, or by calling the Chamber at 413-773-5463. A limit of 5 gift cards per person applies while supplies last.

Deane warned gift card buyers to get in on the promotion early. Last year's promotion generated overwhelming excitement when all 400 available Gagne gift cards sold out in under three hours. Since then, the Chamber has received regular inquiries from community members eager for the promotion's return.

"We're thrilled to bring this promotion back for a second year," said Merrill Gagne, Founder of Gagne Wealth Management Group. "The response from the community has been incredible, and the results demonstrated just how powerful local spending can be.”

In its first year, the Gagne Wealth Gift Card Match injected more than $20,000 in Franklin County spending power guaranteed to benefit local businesses, 70% of which has already hit Franklin County cash registers. Deane noted that because many recipients spend beyond the value of their gift cards, the program's total economic impact is likely significantly higher.

Data from the program's first year signals that cardholders average between 1.5 and 2.0 transactions per card, demonstrating that recipients typically visit businesses multiple times rather than spending the entire balance in a single purchase. Recipients use their cards for everyday purchases, explore multiple merchants, and return to spend remaining balances over time, creating repeated opportunities for local businesses to generate sales beyond the value of the gift card itself.

“While online shopping is often transactional, shopping local is experiential,” Deane said.” The Franklin County Gift Card encourages residents to step out their front door, explore their downtowns, try a new restaurant, browse a local shop, and discover businesses they may never have visited otherwise. In doing so, it helps create the kind of authentic community connections that can't be shipped in a cardboard box.”

Unlike traditional gift cards tied to a single retailer, the Franklin County Gift Card can be redeemed at a diverse mix of restaurants, retailers, attractions, and service providers throughout the county. Because gift cards can be redeemed at dozens of participating businesses, they encourage recipients to discover new businesses, helping distribute economic impact across Franklin County rather than concentrating it in just a few locations.

Among all segments of the Franklin County Gift Card program, Gagne Wealth physical gift cards achieved the highest usage rate, averaging 2.0 transactions per card.

"The average Gagne Wealth Gift Card recipient used their card multiple times, helping drive repeat visits and sustained spending at local businesses throughout Franklin County," said Deane. "From an economic development perspective, that's exactly the kind of behavior you want to encourage. These gift cards inspire repeat customer visits and create multiple opportunities for businesses to build lasting relationships."

The initiative builds on the momentum of the Chamber’s gift card program relaunch in November 2024, which introduced an easier purchasing platform and expanded the number of participating businesses to include local favorites like Hope & Olive, Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop, the Brewery at Four Star Farms, Beth & Frances Boutique, Ryan & Casey Liquors, and more. Since the relaunch, the program has driven record-breaking local spending and become a go-to gift for residents and employers alike.

“If this promotion helps more folks shop locally, try a new place, or support a neighbor, then we’ve done something good together,” said Merrill Gagne, Founder of Gagne Wealth Management Group.

The Gagne Wealth Gift Card match arrives just in time for Father’s Day, graduation celebrations, and the end of the school year, encouraging residents to give meaningful gifts that also support the heart of our local economy.

This is only the latest in a long line of generous, community-focused contributions from Merrill Gagne, Founder of Gagne Wealth Management. A longtime champion for Franklin County, Merrill has been repeatedly recognized as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes, but his most meaningful accolades are found in the local organizations and people he uplifts.

From sponsoring the Franklin County Hockey Association's Learn to Skate program and supporting Greenfield Minor League Baseball to backing local food drives, youth mental health initiatives, and organizations such as the YMCA, United Arc, Rachel's Table, and the Children's Advocacy Center, Gagne's philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to building a stronger Franklin County.

Gagne Wealth Management, located at 238 Main Street in Greenfield, continues to set a powerful example of community investment and values-driven leadership in Franklin County.

“We are so grateful for Merrill’s leadership in what it means to be a business that gives back. This promotion is a reminder that when we support small businesses, we’re investing in our neighbors, our main streets, and our shared future,” Deane said. “He’s a numbers guy, but he puts people at the center of his work, and the results are felt across Franklin County.”