Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen and Annapolis Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Lara Fritts are pleased to join with local entrepreneur Jennie Grimm in announcing the official launch of AnnapolisVIP.

AnnapolisVIP is a Lifestyle Discount Membership Card that provides consumers with access to exclusive offers and privileges at businesses throughout the City and surrounding communities, without the need to clip coupons or remember codes.

In addition to offering tremendously valuable offers for consumers, AnnapolisVIP provides a highly effective way for local small businesses to attract tourists and build enduring loyalty among local customers.  But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the program is that it is designed to help local non-profits raise money for worthy causes.  A year membership is just $30, half of which is provided to the local non-profit of the member’s choosing.  AnnapolisVIP can structure fundraisers in a variety of ways including internet-based sales, event-based sales, or traditional door-to-door sales.  With a 50/50 revenue split and zero up-front costs, AnnapolisVIP is a tremendously attractive fundraising method.

"Annapolis has so many exceptional restaurants, shops and drinking establishments," Mayor Josh Cohen said.  "AnnapolisVIP provides a convenient way to navigate the numerous businesses, find new points of interest, and experience the enduring appeal of our City all the while contributing to charity."

According to Lara Fritts, President and CEO of the Annapolis Economic Development Corporation, “AnnapolisVIP is a tremendously valuable product that supports a worthy cause—to help charities and organizations raise funds for their all-important activities.  Jennie’s vision is relentless and we wish her great success and welcome her to the business family in Annapolis.  I encourage groups that are in the business of raising funds and awareness to look into this very turn-key and affordable offer.”  AnnapolisVIP is currently working with local youth sports teams, local schools, Hospice of The Chesapeake, as well the local chapters of national organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“I’ve worked in advertising and marketing for my entire professional career.  I’ve also been actively involved for years in fundraising for causes close to my heart,” stated Jennie Grimm, owner and founder of AnnapolisVIP.  “A year and a half ago, my oldest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  Since then, I’ve become even more deeply involved in raising funds to support diabetes research.  About six months ago, it occurred to me that there had to be a way to combine my passion for helping local small businesses grow and thrive with my desire to give back to non-profit organizations on a more long term and profound level…and AnnapolisVIP was born.”

In addition to helping charities, AnnapolisVIP is helping local businesses by utilizing social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and email newsletters to promote participating merchants and increasing their revenue through direct membership sales.  AnnapolisVIP currently has about 50 participating local merchants and is actively adding more every week.  For more information on how to become a participating merchant or how AnnapolisVIP can help you raise funds for your non-profit organization, visit their website at www.annapolisvip.com or send them an email at info@annapolisvip.com.

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About Annapolis Economic Development Corporation
The Annapolis Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which works in partnership with the business community, City government and residents to retain, expand and attract business to the City of Annapolis.

About AnnapolisVIP
AnnapolisVIP is the creative vision of Jennie Grimm – an Annapolitan with a mission to raise awareness for charities with special membership values. AnnapolisVIP is a Lifestyle Discount Membership Card that unlocks the door to exclusive offers and privileges at your favorite businesses throughout Anne Arundel County, without the need to clip coupons or remember codes. If you like dining out, shopping, having fun and pampering yourself, your kids and your home, then AnnapolisVIP is essential to your lifestyle.

About the Annapolis Minority and Small Business Enterprise
Annapolis Minority and Small Business Enterprise is committed to attract, grow and improve the quality of life for minority and small businesses by opening doors to opportunity, engaging the resources of our community and developing collaborative partnerships and advocating success.