Crystal Mohrhauser

Students, faculty and staff members have the opportunity to save money at several local businesses.

Twenty-one businesses offer discounts on their services through the Student Savings Club card. The card allows the carrier discounts on merchandise every time the card is shown at participating retail stores.

The Students’ Association began researching the project last year. They supplied business names and contacts to Student Savings Club and the company then contacted businesses within the area.

“It’s a great way for students to save money and see what each business has to offer,” said Ryan Brunner, Students’ Association president. “It allows all college students to know what’s in town and what opportunities there are available in Brookings.”

The card lists the business’ name, address, phone number and the discounted items offered. With the business’ information listed, many businesses were intrigued and wanted to be a part of the card.

“It’s a way for students to know about us and know we’re here,” said Ben Dixon, manager of Godfather’s Pizza.

Godfather’s Pizza is offering 10 percent off any buffet, a large one-topping pizza and cheese sticks for $10, or a medium one-topping pizza and cheese sticks for $8.

Jennifer Petersen, of the Ritz Hair Studio and Day Spa, agrees with the benefits presented by the card.

“It’s a nice, inexpensive way to reach students. It’s nice to let them know about the services we offer,” she said.

The Ritz Hair Studio and Day Spa provides its customers with $5 off a full body massage, $3 off a haircut and style, or $10 off of a highlight, haircut and wax.

Other businesses listed on the card offer discounts on clothing, automotive services, pet care, phone supplies, videos, ink cartridges and jewelry. By visiting the Web site, www.studentsavingsclub.com, students, faculty and staff can view current discounts available through the savings card.

Several other universities around the nation are also participating in these savings. However, the University of South Dakota is the only other university in South Dakota involved in the promotional savings card.

Students, faculty and staff have unlimited use of the card until it expires on Aug. 31, 2006. Approximately 10,000 free cards were distributed by the Students’ Association throughout the university. Cards were distributed in residence halls, the campus community fall festival, general studies courses, Senate office, and the Union Grand Reopening. For those that have not received a savings card, there are still some available in the Senate office.