NEWS RELEASE (Atlantic, IA) – Fareway Stores, Inc. recently announced a $200,000 donation to the Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives (ICCE). The donation provided for $1,000 or more in gift cards to ICCE chamber of commerce members in the communities Fareway serves. The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce received $2,000 in gift cards, which will be distributed to local small businesses in the Atlantic Fareway shopping area, and their employees, that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Fareway President and CEO Reynolds W. Cramer says “Local chambers have the pulse in each community and how best to serve its small business members during this time of need. We hope this relief reduces some of the stress our community business partners are facing.” Baily Smith, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, said Monday, “We’re extremely thankful to Fareway and the ICCE for donating $2,000 to our community. We are working with Tony Schmidtke, Atlantic Fareway Store Manager, to distribute 40, $50 gift cards to small businesses in the area that have closed or are experiencing shortages due to COVID-19, which has had a negative impact on their employees. Our hope is this money will give workers a boost during this unprecedented time.”

ICCE Executive Director Lane Till said “Our members work diligently every day to strengthen communities throughout Iowa. Through this generous donation from Fareway, our members will have the ability to help support the small businesses that create the heart of each of their communities”. Follow the movement on Facebook with #FarewayShopsLocal, or visit the Atlantic Area Chamber Facebook page, to learn more.