The City of Palmdale is launching a new program, Palmdale’s Business Economic Stimulus (BEST) on Friday, February 27 that will give each purchaser of a new automobile from the Palmdale Auto Mall a $300 Antelope Valley Mall gift card.

“This program is truly an immediate stimulus program,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford,” because after making the car purchase, the buyer can go to City Hall, pick up their gift card and start shopping. In many cases, car buyers can have their gift card the same day. In any event, there is no long lag time in getting your shopping reward.”

To receive the gift card, auto purchasers need to bring copy of their sales contract to the economic development office and fill out a simple form. The office is located at 38250 Sierra Highway. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm.  The office is closed every other Friday.

“We’re very excited about launching the Palmdale’s BEST program,” said Palmdale’s Assistant Executive Director of Community Redevelopment (CRA) Danny Roberts. “We wanted to give car shoppers the kind of incentive that would also stimulate other local business.  And if for some reason the purchaser cannot make it to our office during business hours, all they need to do is call us at 267-5125 and we’ll make arrangements to get them the certificate.”

Funding for the Palmdale’s BEST program is being provided from unappropriated reserves in the CRA fund.

“The City of Palmdale is working hard to support our local businesses,” said City Manager Steve Williams.  “We’ve been promoting a ‘Shop Palmdale’ message for quite a while, and now we’re ramping up our efforts with some great incentives to keep and increase local business.”

Dealers at the Palmdale Auto Mall include Rally Auto Group (Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hyundai), AV KIA, Robertson’s Palmdale Honda, Antelope Valley Nissan, Saturn of Antelope Valley and Antelope Valley Volkswagen. The Palmdale Auto Mall boasts over 25 brands and over 3,000 cars to choose from.

“We’re also working on a gift card program that will reward people for shopping at Palmdale business,” Roberts added.  “Basically, shoppers will receive gift cards based on the total amount of their purchases.  We’re gathering a list of retailers and restaurants to make this program connect as many businesses and residents as possible.”

Details and updates on the Palmdale’s BEST program will be announced in upcoming weeks.

For more information about Palmdale’s BEST program, contact the economic development department at 661/267-5125,  or visit: www.cityofpalmdale.org.