Beginning August 1, 2009, many Benicia businesses throughout the city will participate in a Shop Benicia First contest by having bookmarks available at their business locations. Collect all eight bookmarks, numbered 1–8, bring them to the Benicia Chamber of Commerce office at 601 First Street, and enter a drawing to win an iPod! Each bookmark features a reason to Shop Benicia First on one side, a recipe on the other side, and are yours to keep.

BizNet, a committee of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, initiated the contest to coincide with the Shop Benicia First Program. The purpose of the contest is to make Benicia residents, businesses and organizations aware of the goods and services available right here in Benicia and the importance to keep our dollars local. Bookmarks will be available throughout the City and have been distributed to participating businesses based on their geographic location.

Bookmarks are available at the following area businesses:

Bookmark #1 – Longs Plaza, First Street (900 to 1100 blocks), Military East from East Second to East Fifth.
Bookmark #2 - Lower Arsenal (Tyler Street area), Davies Square, Benicia Library.
Bookmark #3 - Southampton Shopping Center, Lower Arsenal (Adams Street area).
Bookmark #4 – Parkway Plaza, Lower Arsenal (Hayes Street area), Military West from West Second to West Twelfth.
Bookmark #5 – Safeway Shopping Center, East Second Street from N Street to Industrial Way, Benicia Library.
Bookmark #6 – First Street (600 to 900 blocks), East Second Street from Industrial Way to Lake Herman.
Bookmark #7 – Southampton Shopping Center, Industrial Park (Fleetside Area).
Bookmark #8 – First Street (100 to 600 blocks), East Fifth Street, Industrial Park (Channel Road area).

If you are a Benicia business interested in distributing bookmarks and participating in the Shop Benicia First contest, please call or stop by the Chamber office at 745-2120.

Entries must be submitted by October 23, 2009; drawing will take place November 19, 2009. You must be over eighteen to participate, one bookmark per person at each location, and no purchase is necessary.