Businesses can become part of Sisters history

The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is working closely with merchants in downtown Sisters to develop the Sisters Historical Passport Program. This program will encourage visitors and locals to stroll through Sisters and enjoy featured pieces of the community's history.

"We want to encourage merchants to sign on with the program for the one-time fee of $100," says chamber Executive Director Erin Borla. "This purchase will allow the business owner to select a part of Sisters history that coordinates with their business. This theme will be showcased on an historical plaque to be attached to the exterior of their building. Not only will visitors learn interesting facts from the Sisters community history, but they will also be encouraged to visit inside the business to get their official passport stamped."

Once visitors receive 10 stamps they are eligible for a Sisters Country prize pack.

The program is designed to accomplish three goals: drive more visitors to Sisters Country to shop; encourage visitors to spend more time in Sisters Country; encourage visitors to visit more shops during their time in Sisters Country.

Each participating business will receive a plaque on the exterior of their business. Each plaque will be custom- designed with a topic or story of their choice that pertains to the theme of each business and will include a photo; installation of the sign on their building; and additional customers as they come through the door looking to get a custom stamp (included) to stamp pre-designed passports.

Passports will be distributed at the Visitors Center and at participating merchants.

There is a $100 one-time fee to build the custom plaques; merchants can sign up through the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 541-549-0251.