Refunds for Bad Gift Certificates

A national gift certificate company filed for chapter seven bankruptcy last week and that has some Chambers of Commerce feeling the ripple effects.
Dayton-based CertifiChecks had operated gift certificate programs for hundreds of chambers of commerce.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Aldom says the gift certificates were part of a very successful buy local and spend local program. He says there were $22,000 in gift certificates purchased last year, and there is no way to tell how much of the money was spent. Now that CertifiChecks is no longer doing business, remaining certificates are not redeemable. However, Aldom says there is an obligation to residents and business owners to refund the locally bought certificates. It was a difficult decision to make, but he says he would not want to leave anyone "high and dry".

Aldom says to bring the certificates to the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, located at 601 North Center Ave. in Somerset, in order to receive a refund. The chamber will be offering paybacks through the end of the month. With the program being so successful, he says there are intentions to reinstate it with another company.