From lingerie to lumber, the new Catoosa Chamber of Commerce Certifichecks can be used for almost any product or service.

Certifichecks are gift certificates that work just like a check, and can be used at over 100 different Catoosa Chamber member businesses.

“The Chamber is excited to be able to offer a program that encourages shopping local first.” Catoosa Chamber President Tammy Cole said.

The Chamber of Commerce kicked off the program in March after learning of the success other chambers had experienced. Gordon County’s Chamber of Commerce already had a gift certificate program in place when they decided to switch to Certifichecks to make it easier for participating businesses to redeem them.

Businesses that receive the Certifichecks as payment deposit them just like any other check.

The community is responding well to the Certificheck program in Gordon County, according to Sharon Alexander, Gordon Chamber of Commerce’s chief financial officer.

Alexander said she felt the program was a “win, win situation.”

It is this ease of use that allows larger companies like Wal-Mart to participate in the program, said Jane Boone, community relations coordinator at Wal-Mart in Fort Oglethorpe.

Boone said the program is a great way to build relations between businesses and the community.

Certifichecks may be purchased online at the Catoosa Chamber’s website, www.gatewaytogeorgia.com or by calling 1-877-770-4438 (GIFT), or in person at the Chamber’s office located in the Colonnade.

They are available in denominations of $5, $10, $25, and $50. Included with the checks is a complete listing of all participating businesses