A Message from PRCC President Re: Certifichecks
A MESSAGE FROM CHAMBER PRESIDENT CARLIN SMITH
Re: CertifiChecks
Dear Chamber Members,
On Friday, Feb. 27th we learned that CertifiChecks, Inc. had ceased operations the day before. The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) has worked with CertifiChecks since 2001 to provide a gift certificate program that promotes local spending. The shut down of that business came as a complete surprise to all of us.
As we reported to you late Friday, CertifiChecks tells us that you should not deposit these gift certificates as they will be returned. They’ve asked merchants to remove all door and register decals promoting the program and to no longer accept these CertifiChecks. At this time, the PRCC continues to urge you to heed this advice.
We know that your customers will be frustrated with this situation and will be asking you for advice. The best advice is to tell them to hang on to the certificates until we learn all of our options. If they wish for more immediate action, the company’s web site says unredeemed CertifiChecks may be submitted for potential reimbursement to:
CertifiChecks, Inc.
Attn: Redemption Dept.
P.O. Box 13603
Dayton, OH 45413
The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce is working with other chambers who have had the CertifiChecks program and with two associations of which we are active: the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. There are around 20-chambers in Michigan who have been clients of CertifiChecks, and countless others around the country. We know that CertifiChecks is in the process of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but attempts to reach the company and its bank have not been successful. Regulatory agencies have been contacted in both Ohio and Michigan. Locally, I have consulted with our chamber’s attorney and a member of the chamber’s Executive Committee and have kept the Board of Directors apprised of the situation.
It could be a week or two before we have a definitive course of action from the chamber. We will be deliberate and will continue to investigate our options to see if a solution might exist. All of us at the chamber appreciate your patience during this unfortunate situation.
