New to Raleigh? Your mail could contain 'Golden Certificate' worth $1,000

Ten cities across the nation, including Raleigh, were selected for Our Town America’s “Golden Certificate” campaign.

One new resident of each of the cities or their surrounding areas will find a certificate in their Our Town America welcome package.

The winners have until Jan. 16 to claim their $1,000.

The campaign is to encourage new residents to shop at local businesses, although winners can spend their money however they want.

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“The local mom and pop shops are our bread and butter,” said Liz McKee of Our Town America's marketing team. “When you shop with a local merchant in the Raleigh area, you’re helping somebody’s child buy school supplies.”

“You’re helping someone who could be your neighbor,” she continued.

While Our Town America wants people to patronize local businesses, McKee said, the company didn’t want to add restrictions in case a resident needed help with bills or emergencies.

Make your move easier

But the 10 “Golden Certificate” winners are chosen randomly, and homeowners and renters who have moved to the area in the past couple of months are eligible to win, McKee said.

The chances of winning are 1 in 4,200, McKee said. None of the certificates were claimed as of Monday morning.