As the newly appointed merchant engagement ambassador, Lisette Bellizzi will work alongside over 7400 businesses who are part of the 30+ Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programs across the country, including encouraging new merchants to join the initiative which has generated £16m in spend to date. 

The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card was introduced by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in 2021 as part of the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, supported by Miconex. The appointment of Ms Bellizzi comes in time for Scotland Loves Local Week, Friday August 23rd to Friday August 29th, with a theme of ‘people make places’.

Ms Bellizzi, who grew up in New Jersey and has lived in Scotland for a number of years, has worked as a caseworker for the Scottish Government, as a member relations advisor for the leading representative body for the UK offshore oil and gas industry, and as Scottish Ambassador for Change the World Model United Nations, training students in soft skills, debate and negotiation.

A seasoned traveller, Ms Bellizzi also founded Connecting Our Women, a working and support organisation for women to meet, network and support each other, and is an organiser for Girl Gone International, a volunteer powered organisation which creates communities across the world for people to find new friends and feel at home.

Ms Bellizzi said: “As an organiser, I began looking for events and things to do locally. And this evolved into helping local businesses to spread the word about what they had going on.

“When I saw the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card merchant engagement ambassador program role come up, I thought to myself, ‘this is what I do now already, engaging with local businesses and helping them promote themselves and their services’.

“I knew I’d be able to bring my existing knowledge set to the role to support over 7400 merchants who are part of the programs, and encourage even more to join! For merchants, the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is a win-win. It’s free to be a part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card program, and brings new customers and new revenue.”

Ms Bellizzi continued: “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, they bring diversity and vibrancy to our Scottish towns and cities but many small businesses don’t have the time or resources to market themselves.

“The beauty of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card program is that it connects smaller businesses to the community and to each other through a powerful and collaborative Gift Card program. Being a part of the initiative is another way for local businesses to be seen and known for what they do.

“I’m really excited to tell the stories of local businesses. To get into the town and city centres and find the best food, culture, shopping and more. There is so much possibility with the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card program and I can’t wait to get started.”

Kimberbey Guthrie, Scotland’s Towns Partnership’s Chief Officer, said: “The opportunities for businesses to benefit from the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card are significant.

“So much has been achieved since its launch, but we know that there is huge potential for the card to drive even more trade and success for local businesses. Lisette will play an important role in helping to unlock that potential. It’s great to have her as part of the team.”

David O’Neil, chief customer officer at Miconex, said: “Lisette is already making a big impact as the new merchant engagement ambassador for the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.

“The experience Lisette has in working with businesses will be invaluable to driving forward the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative in Scotland, so we can bring the benefits of the program to even more people, places and communities.”