The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce created this program in 1997 in an effort to encourage the concept of shopping locally. It provides an opportunity for businesses and/or individuals to purchase a unique gift that can be redeemed at a variety of local businesses.

'$hop Cherokee' generated over $90,000 in sales in 2009, which means that over $90,000 was spent with local businesses that otherwise could have been spent with any number of out-of-county companies. The Chamber's ongoing goal is to not only increase the '$hop Cherokee' Gift Certificate sales, but to also increase the number of redeeming merchants. More merchants equals more variety. More variety equals more customers!

'$hop Cherokee' is simple in nature and works as follows: The purchaser orders '$hop Cherokee' Gift Certificates from the Chamber office in any denomination. '$hop Cherokee' Gift Certificates may be personalized with both the name of the presenter and the recipient.

This program is supported by Chamber member businesses. Members in good standing simply agree to redeem the '$hop Cherokee' Gift Certificates for the amount designated on the certificate. The business then returns the '$hop Cherokee' Gift Certificate(s) to the Chamber office for prompt reimbursement for the total value of the certificate(s).