Hecla's Buy Local a huge hit

WALLACE — A tremendous endeavor to infuse some economic growth in the Silver Valley recently wrapped up with more than $55,000 being re-invested into businesses across the county.

Hecla’s Buy Local Program was launched in October and began with the mining company donating $50,000 in vouchers for its Lucky Friday employees, as well as other local charities, to spend at participating businesses in the area.

They also dropped another $5,000 in order to help promote and advertise for those participating in the program.

As COVID cases hit their fever pitch here locally in the late fall and winter months, the timing couldn’t have been better for a grand idea such as this one.

“This has been a challenging year for our employees, communities and local business partners,” said Luke Russell, Hecla’s vice president of external affairs. “The idea, which came from (Hecla CEO) Phil Baker, was, how can we support both our workers and the local community? This program was a win-win for both.”

A project with such important financial implications, for both the businesses involved, as well as those spending their bucks, required some partnerships for Hecla who enlisted the help of local businesses Potlatch No. 1 Financial Credit Union (P1FCU) in Osburn, Dave Smith Motors, Avista Corp. and the Wallace Chamber of Commerce.

“They came up with this idea about a buy back program and asked us if we would be willing to facilitate it,“ said P1FCU Osburn Manager Dan Cox. “Where P1FCU is always looking to service members and the local community, we jumped at the chance.”

The program resonated well with the local business community, who was looking for any rays of hope for making some money during what was looking like a potentially dark holiday season.

“The reception has been phenomenal,’ said Wallace Chamber Vice President Jim Shields and co-owner of the Idaho Silver Shop. “Friday employees were very happy to have the extra spending power, and we really saw an increase in our business.”

Silver Valley Seniors, as well as the Wallace Christmas Fund were also on the receiving end of the program, as they were given some vouchers that could be used at local businesses as well.

The program ran through January, and then the Wallace Chamber spent the month of February rounding up the vouchers and getting them redeemed.

Shields and the rest of the Wallace Chamber hope that this program isn’t a one off and that it becomes a regular tradition.

“We are very grateful to Hecla, as well as Dave Smith Motors, Avista and P1FCU for stepping up in this time of need,” Shields said. “We would welcome the opportunity to resume such a program in the future.”