Muskegon Money

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Brendan and Jen Pelto -- Executive Directors
Harbor Theater
(231) 457-4273 work
(231) 329-0659 cell
http://www.theharbortheater.com


Harbor Theater Now Accepting Unredeemable “Muskegon Money” Certifichecks
In a severely difficult economic time, the Harbor Theater hopes to provide relief to those still holding onto the valueless gift certificates.


Muskegon, MI Mar. 4, 2009: After the company Certifichecks, Inc. announced on Thursday that it was in the process of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, hundreds of Chambers of Commerce and 80,000 retailers nation-wide are in a panic. The company was responsible for providing the funds for a gift certificate program that many West Michigan area Chambers of Commerce participated in.

Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon area Chamber of Commerce, estimates that $20,000 to $100,000 in “Muskegon Money” gift checks remain unredeemed by shoppers. The Chamber of Commerce has asked the Attorney General to investigate the situation, and states that they have no plans on taking financial responsibility for the now value-less checks.“That’s difficult because we don’t know how much money is out there,” says Larsen, “and it’s so difficult to make decisions on what to do.”

Other area Chambers of Commerce, including those in Holland and Grand Haven, have decided to continue to honor the gift certificates, because they feel it is the “right thing to do.”

The Harbor Theater in the Lakeside District of Muskegon also believes that honoring the gift certificates is the right thing to do.

“It’s a sad thing to see happen. It’s a sign of the times,” says Jen Pelto.

“We’re willing to step up and reward those that invested in Muskegon,” says Brendan Pelto. “It isn’t their fault that this happened, and they shouldn’t take the fall for it.”

The Harbor Theater will accept the checks for admission tickets to any film shown at the theater.

“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer cash back, as we feel any amount of reimbursement is unlikely. If you have a check for $30.00, feel free to bring a group of 5 so that you can use the full face value of the check,” explains Mr. Pelto. “Currently, we will not be able to offer gift certificates or concession stand items in exchange for the checks. If this changes, we will be sure to let everyone know.”

Although Certifichecks, Inc. is not currently offering reimbursement for the checks, they do provide an address to submit for “potential” reimbursement:
Certifichecks, Inc.
Attn: Redemption Dept.
P.O. Box 13603
Dayton, Ohio 45413

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