EDMONDS — With just two weeks of planning, Edmonds has become the first city in the country to participate in a program offering discounts to active and former military personnel and their families.
The program, Military Veterans Promotions, is spearheaded by Operation Military Family, an Edmonds company. Businesses register to be a part of the daily, citywide discount program and are listed on OMF’s website, www.vapp2.com.
OMF provides an online network of services and resources for service members and those who have served in the military. It is lead by Mike Schindler, an Edmonds resident who served in the Navy.
“MVP is really a way a business, corporation or merchant can say ‘thank you for your service,’” Schindler said.
“This is a great thing the city is doing, to step up and help vets,” said Nick McCallon, an Army veteran who served with the Stryker Brigade six years and has received the Purple Heart. “I can only say thank you.”
The Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association, Edmonds Chamber and the city all worked on starting the program. More than 50 Edmonds businesses have signed on to offer discounts and display the MVP decal in their window.
“It is very exciting to see the cooperation and work targeted to support this veterans support group,” said Pat McKee, president of the DEMA. “When this was presented to our group, everybody jumped on board to offer discounts.”
McKee is offering 10 percent off at his Nama’s Candy store on Fifth Avenue. He said that he has already extended the offer to a customer, a veteran. “We both smiled,” he said.
Other businesses in Edmonds are offering similar discounts. Puget Sound Tax Service offers a 10 percent discount for its services. At the Resident Cheesemonger, the MVP discount is 15 percent. Chanterelle restaurant will extend early-bird dinner specials through the evening. At Edmonds Bookshop, MVP customers will receive a store credit of the average price paid when a dozen new books are purchased.
Marysville and Leavenworth are planning to join the MVP network, according to Schindler. Everett Councilman Paul Roberts said that he looks forward to introducing the program to his city’s merchants.
“We‘ve all been wondering how we can better honor and support our veterans and returning troops, especially in this tough economy,” Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling said. “When Operation Military Family suggested launching a year-round, town-wide veterans discount program, we jumped at the opportunity. We challenge other Snohomish County cities to do the same.”
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