By Meghan McLaughlin at Northshore News
Woodinville Wine Country Association and the Woodinville Chamber will launch mobile-exclusive savings passes to locals and visitors alike in May. The paperless savings pass is of no cost to users and highlights popular attractions, lodging, restaurants, retailers, breweries and distilleries.
“The concept is to bring new visitors, new consumers, new locals to those businesses that maybe weren’t given a chance initially,” said Kimberly Ellertson, executive director at the Woodinville Chamber and Visitor Center. “These consumers will have a reason to go and check out new businesses they haven’t seen before. I think it’s a win for both sides.”
The project aims to support and drive traffic to non-winery businesses in Woodinville that have not benefited from the Woodinville Wine Pass, an existing program for tasting rooms in the area. Users receive the savings pass via texts and emails on their cellular phones. The pass holder must present the document on their phone at a participating business to redeem their special offer or discount.
“Woodinville is a unique place with over 130 wineries and tasting rooms,” said Woodinville Wine Country Director of Marketing Amber Schmitt. “This last year has been tough on business, to say the least. We have already created digital passes focusing on driving traffic to our local tasting rooms. That has proven to be very successful, so we decided to partner with the Woodinville Chamber to provide this opportunity to all our local businesses and not just our tasting room partners.”
Businesses that are members of the Woodinville Wine Country Association or the Woodinville Chamber can participate in the program for free. Twenty-three firms have signed on to the program so far, and Schmitt anticipates at least 30 will sign on by its launch tentatively set for May 17. The digital format allows for new businesses to join at will.
Local businesses that have already signed on include Good Brewing Co. Hollywood Taproom, Massage Envy, McMenamins Anderson School, the Golf Club at Echo Falls and EarthWise Pet Supply & Grooming. All have creative freedom in the savings they offer customers. Confirmed offers include 20% off a standard room or studio suite at Hampton Inn, buy two tacos, get one free at Lifted Taco and free tastings and tours at Pacific Distillery.
“The Woodinville community is very strong, and I am confident I’ll see the savings pass well promoted throughout participating and non-participating businesses,” Schmitt said. “This last year has shown us all that we are much stronger together, and Woodinville has done an amazing job adapting to the past and current pandemic expectations and guidelines. I loved seeing the creativity and flexibility of our local businesses this last year and believe this savings pass will be a great addition to our community.”
*Thank you to the team at Northshore News!