John Bullis, executive director of the Chamber, said when supplies of the old certificates ran out, members of the Chamber thought it would be a good time to update the certificates. He said the members wanted the certificate to look good and thought it would be an excellent idea to feature a local artist’s work.

The faces of the certificates now feature an image of Kingfisher Tower by Jerri L. Dobler/ Welch.

Bullis sent out a letter to Chamber members encouraging businesses to display a sample gift certificate, which was enclosed with the letter, to let customers know that the business accepts the certificates. However, there are businesses, such as the Cooperstown Cookie Company, that are not sure if they will be participating in the gift certificate program. Several businesses, even members of the Chamber, were unfamiliar with the program or said they received very few certificates in the past.

The certificates are sold in $10 denominations at the Chamber Office on 31 Chestnut St. and can be used for dining, shopping, overnight stays, museum admission and much more. There is a shipping cost of $3 when mailing the certificates out, according to the Chamber website www.cooperstownchamber.org.

``The certificates spend just like money,’’ Bullis said.

Bullis said businesses do not have to have membership with the Chamber to participate in the Cooperstown Chamber Gift Certificate Program. The Chamber will redeem the merchant full value, all that they have to do is accept the certificate and bring it to us, said Bullis. He said it’s a win- win situation for everyone.

Bullis said the certificates are primarily used in Cooperstown and in the immediate vicinity. However, he said many people who work in the village are not from the area and are more than welcome to use them where they live if accepted. He said the Chamber will redeem any merchant that accepts the certificates regardless of where they are from.

Bullis said the gift certificates have been a real business builder for years because people come to Cooperstown and give them to friends and then they come to Cooperstown and the cycle continues. He said businesses like the certificates because they bring the people to the village.

``People like to spend gift certificates so it is like insurance that business will happen,’’ Bullis said.

Amy Blechman, admissions manager for the Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum, said she has seen a copy of the new certificates and she believes they are a ``nice size and shape with crisp print.’’

Blechman said although very few certificates are used for museum visits, she believes the certificates might encourage recipients to visit businesses they have not gone to before. She said she also believes the certificates get people to shop and spend money locally.

Blechman expressed one concern, she said the certificates do not have an expiration date, which may or may not be a problem if they are not used immediately.

However, Bullis said the certificates are redeemable at any time.