Alas, the MN State Fair has come to a glorious end, and the Fox 9 Morning Buzz is back to filming at the station in Eden Prairie. On the positive side, parking is easier/cheaper. On the negative side, there’s no one bringing us deep-fried foods on a stick.

Fair or no Fair, the frugal show must go on! Here’s what we discussed this morning on the Buzz couch:

Shop Locally And Save

Neighborhood Business Associations have long been an excellent resource for small local businesses. They assist with loan programs, grants, and advertising. But some NBA’s are taking it a step further. They’re reaching out to the community around them and the people who support these businesses, by offering discounts and coupons. Check it out:

Riverview Economic Development Association, or REDA, has created a discount card for their District Del Sol. District Del Sol is the “main commercial corridor on the West Side. It is approximately one mile long and features an exciting mix of restaurants, clothing stores, specialty shops and public art. The district hosts the city’s oldest Mexican restaurant and hosts one of the largest Cinco de Mayo Fiestas in the United States.”

The discount card is free and available at their main office. Just check out their website for more details, including which businesses are offering discounts with the card. http://www.districtdelsol.com/discounts.html

Grand Avenue Business Association, or GABA, has Study Break Tuesdays, where they offer “area college and university students a study break with special offers at participating businesses. Discounts are redeemed on Tuesdays by presenting a valid student ID at the time of purchase.”

One of the discounts currently available is the Ultimate Wellness Package, from Grand Avenue Natural Medicine Center. For $25, you get a Chiropractic Exam, a Chiropractic Treatment, and a 30 Minute Massage. http://www.grandave.com/eventDetails.php?eventID=14

Northeast Neighbors and Business Association, which encompasses everything north of the river and south of 39^th Ave, has partnered with Local Biz Bucks.com to offer coupons for local businesses, including The Anchor Fish and Chips, Central Clinic, Fairview Pharmacy, and Stinson Automotive.

Their motto is “When you use Local Biz Bucks coupons, you are choosing to support neighborhood businesses.” http://www.localbizbucks.com/northeast

Other neighborhoods are also participating in Biz Bucks, including the Southeast/U of M area. They have coupons for businesses like Ginger Hop Restaurant, Stadium Village Bookstore, and Benson Automotive Specialists.

Let’s turn it over to the audience – do you know of any business associations offering discounts to consumers? Where, what, and how, please!