How Carthage's "Chamber Charlie" is helping with shopping local

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage Chamber of Commerce puts a twist on the holiday tradition of "Elf on a Shelf."

"We're excited to have Chamber Charlie," said Doug Osborn, owner of The Palms Massage and Day Spa.

Chamber Charlie is back for another year. His goal is to help encourage shopping at and supporting local businesses during the holiday season.

"Chamber Charlie's a great idea because people kind of start seeking him out, looking for that kind of thing, and buy a lot of gift cards along the way," said Osborn.

Chamber Charlie is back for his second year as part of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce holiday initiative, "A Very Merry Carthage Christmas." Eleven local businesses, including neighborhood shops, restaurants, and service providers, are hosting Chamber Charlie for a few days.

Osborn says Charlie helps bring in more foot traffic.

"We've been in business now at this location for about 11 years, and we still have people that don't know we're here. And so anything we can do that's an initiative to get people to come into these small businesses is going to be great for everybody."

"It promotes holiday shopping while giving a little bit of fun to our little Chamber Charlie all around the community," said Julie Reams, Carthage Chamber of Commerce President.

Charlie spends two to three days at businesses, inviting shoppers to take a selfie with him. Posting that selfie on social media enters participants into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate for Carthage area businesses.

The drawing will be held on Monday.

"It's really a lot of fun, and we get a lot of fun feedback from the business community, the shoppers, and the little kids," said Reams.