At Simplicity Credit Union, community isn’t just where we do business, it’s who we’re here for. Again in 2025, our Neenah Branch brought that belief to life through our Pay It Forward program, in partnership with Future Neenah.
The goal was simple: support local businesses while giving community members an easy, meaningful way to make an impact!
How the Program Worked
Through several events in Neenah, participants received a $5 or $10 voucher to use at a participating local business. To redeem it, shoppers matched the amount with their own purchase -instantly doubling their support for small businesses in the area!
Four of the five businesses featured during these events were located along South Commercial Street and were directly impacted by the 2025 road construction. With traffic patterns disrupted and access more difficult, the Pay It Forward program was intentionally designed to remind the community that these businesses were still open, important, and deserving of support!
This small act created a big ripple effect, encouraging neighbors to shop local while connecting business owners with new and returning customers!
The Impact
From September through January, the Pay It Forward program made a measurable difference:
- 245 vouchers redeemed.
- More than $6,600 generated for local Neenah businesses!
- 4 of the 5 business we visited were impacted by the South Commercial Street construction.
- Stronger connections between residents, entrepreneurs, and the community they share.
As Sara Hanneman of Future Neenah shared,
“Never underestimate the power and impact of shopping local and shopping small,” said Sara Hanneman, Assistant Executive Director at Future Neenah, “When we create opportunities for people to shop local with intention, the impact goes far beyond a single purchase. This program helps strengthen relationships, support small businesses, and keep our downtown vibrant for everyone!”
Paige Zoelk, Neenah Branch Manager agrees, “As a local branch, it’s important to us that we’re seen as more than a credit union. We want to be an active, supportive part of the Neenah community. Seeing members and neighbors come together to support local businesses through Pay It Forward again in 2025 was incredibly meaningful!”
