Community Connect
A district-funded SMS program that connects communities and commerce
Turn local communication into measurable foot traffic
One shared system connects the district, the community and local businesses
Who benefits from SMS Shop Local Programs?
Community Connect delivers value to every part of the local ecosystem
- Districts and Associations: A tangible member benefit and powerful recruitment tool
- Merchants: Visibility and participation without added cost or effort
- Community: A trusted way to stay informed about what’s happening locally
Funded by the organization. Fully Managed by Mobile High 5.
Built for BIDs, Chambers and Downtown Districts
Community Connect is a fully managed community text program designed for Business Improvement Districts, Chambers of Commerce and business associations.
The organization funds the program and offers merchant participation as a member benefit.
Residents opt-in once and receive timely, relevant updates about local events, promotions, and district happenings – delivered by text, where messages are actually seen.
This solves a long-standing challenge for membership organizations:
How do we deliver a clear, visible value to merchants while strengthening engagement with the broader community?
Why Community Connect Works
Community Connect works because it creates shared value across the entire local ecosystem.
For BIDs & Chambers
- A concrete, visible benefit tied directly to membership or assessments
- A powerful tool for member recruitment and retention
- A consistent communication channel you control
- A way to promote events, initiatives and programs without relying on social algorithms
For Merchants
- Participation without managing software, campaigns
- Exposure to residents who have explicitly opted-in to hear about local businesses and events
- Inclusion in promotions and spotlights that drive real foot traffic
- A clear answer to “what am I getting for my dues?”
For the Community
- One simple way to stay connected to what’s happening locally
- Timely alerts about events, promotions, and special moments
- No apps to download. No feeds to scroll. Just useful information – when it matters
How Community Connect Works
One program. Clear roles. No added workload for merchants.
Mobile High 5 manages the program and messaging
Residents opt-in once and receive local updates
Merchants participate automatically as a benefit
The organization sponsors the program
Mobile High 5 sets up and manages the system on behalf of the district or association.
Residents Opt-in
Via QR codes, landing pages, keywords, events or on-site signage.
Merchants are included as a benefit
Participating businesses are featured through coordinated messages and campaigns.
Messages go out consistently
Typically 1-2 texts per month linking to a branded landing page with:
- Local events
- Merchant spotlights
- Seasonal promotions
- Community announcements
Mobile High 5 orchestrates everything
Strategy, scheduling, compliance, reporting and optimization – no burden on staff or volunteers.
What Makes This Different
Community Connect is not a DIY texting tool.
- No one at the district is learning software
- No merchants are asked to run campaigns
- No guessing about timing, frequency, or compliance
Mobile High 5 handles the strategy, structure, and execution so the program runs smoothly and consistently.
Measurable Results For Economic Development
Community Connect has helped organizations:
- Increase visibility for local businesses
- Drive attendance to events and activations
- Strengthen relationships between merchants and their association
- Give residents a reason to stay connected and show up locally
When communities communicate clearly and consistently, local commerce benefits.
Community Connect is powered by Mobile High 5, a fully managed SMS engagement platform built for Main Street communities.
Mobilize your Buy Local Program with SMS Text!
Our clients talk about the benefits and results of having a fully managed SMS text program with integrated loyalty
Why Districts Choose Shop Local Texting
Every message is measurable, opt-in based, and designed to drive real-world action.
Not Sure Where To Start?
See if Community Connect is the right fit for your chamber, district or association.
A brief, no-pressure discussion to understand your goals and to see if this makes sense.
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