MPO Launches Memorial Highway Gift Card Program

May 27, 2025 —The Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) recently launched the Memorial Card digital gift card program to support businesses along Memorial Highway during ongoing road construction. The program started Memorial Day weekend and aims to encourage continued local spending over the two phase, three-year reconstruction project.

How It Works:

  • Digital gift cards can be purchased at visitmandan.com beginning on Tuesday, May 27th.
  • Buyers receive a 25% bonus gift card with their purchase (e.g., buy a $100 card, get an extra $25) (Cards have a one-time eDelivery fee).
  • Both the original and bonus cards are delivered via email and text as a digital wallet file.
  • The bonus amount is funded by the Mandan Growth Fund through the Mandan Progress Organization.
  • The original gift card never expires; however, the bonus card may have an expiration date to manage program duration.
  • Cards can be redeemed at any participating businesses in the Memorial Highway Tier 1 and 2 special assessment districts.
  • Businesses process the gift cards via manual credit card entry process — no additional technology or additional fees other than normal credit card processing fees. The card operates on the Mastercard network.

Background & Support. At the request of the Mandan Growth Fund, in February the MPO proposed the program with a 25% match funded by the Growth Fund. The City Commission approved $50,000 on April 15 — $40,000 for incentives and $10,000 for marketing.

A March survey sent to 130 businesses in the Memorial Highway project area received a 28% response rate, with over 80% expressing support for the program.

Business Benefits:

  • Promote increased awareness and customer traffic during construction
  • No participation cost or fees, other than the normal credit card processing fees.
  • No new technology requirements
  • Keeps spending local and supports Mandan’s economy

This initiative echoes a similar effort from the 1990s, when the City and MPO supported Main Street businesses during reconstruction. For more information, see visitmandan.com or call the MPO at 701-751-2983.