Comptroller Peter Franchot and Comptroller-elect Brooke Lierman visited retailers in downtown Baltimore on Friday.

(L to R) MD|DC Credit Union Assoc. CEO John Bratsakis, MECU VP of Marketing Tim Rozalski, Comptroller-elect Brooke Lierman, Viva Books owner Viva Stowell, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, SECU SVP of Enterprise Experience & Programs Toby Smith, Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Executive Dir. Lenora Henry, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore President Shelonda Stokes, Mayor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Businesses Deputy Dir. Sean Stinnett

MD|DC Credit Union Association CEO John Batsakis, along with representatives from SECU and MECU, joined Franchot and Lierman in promoting Shop Maryland for the Holidays and Save which encourages Marylanders to spend locally as they buy gifts this holiday season.

“We want to thank the Maryland Comptroller’s Office and area credit unions for collaborating on this initiative to help jumpstart the local economy by supporting the businesses that are the heart and soul of our communities — and to help consumers stretch their dollars this holiday season,” said John Bratsakis, President/CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association.

The shopping trip inclused a stop at the Peanut Shoppe, a downtown Baltimore institution since 1933 and Viva Books, which opened its doors last year.

This is the third year credit unions have teamed up with the Comptroller’s Office to support the initiative by providing incentives to members ranging from double reward points to rebates for members who shop local.

For a complete list of participating credit unions and incentives, visit: https://bit.ly/3UGCDuV