Market 32, Price Chopper Introduce 'Double Exchange Day'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32 and Price Chopper are inviting customers to turn their spare change into double the value, and to help keep cash transactions running smoothly. 
 
On Sunday, Nov. 16, the grocer will host a Double Exchange Day from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at all store locations.
 
During this one-day event, a penny is worth two cents when shoppers exchange them for a Market 32 or Price Chopper gift card twice their total amount. This means $10 in pennies could earn a $20 gift card, redeemable toward future in-store purchases.
 
To participate, guests simply bring their rolled or loose pennies to the Customer Service Desk, where the total will be counted and matched with a gift card reward on the spot. Exchanges must total a minimum of 50 cents (earning a $1 card) and may not exceed $100 (earning a $200 card).
 
With the U.S. Treasury planning to discontinue penny production in 2026, fewer coins are being minted and even fewer are recirculating into the economy. As a result, the nation's penny supply is shrinking, making it increasingly challenging for retailers to provide exact change for customers who prefer to pay with cash. Market 32 and Price Chopper are committed to delivering exceptional service, which includes ensuring every transaction remains smooth, seamless, and accurate.
 
"Cash transactions remain an important part of how we serve our customers, and for those who prefer to pay with cash, we want to make sure we can continue providing the same great checkout experience—right down to the penny," said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. "Double Exchange Day gives our customers an opportunity to partner with us in that effort, while being rewarded for supporting us in managing our coin inventory responsibly as the nation prepares for the phase-out of pennies. We also know a lot of families across our six-state footprint are facing hardships right now, and this is another unique way our team is working to provide support."
 
Double Exchange Day will also coincide with the kickoff of the grocer's Holiday AdvantEdge Rewards Doubler on November 16, a seasonal program that helps shoppers stretch their budgets even further while earning free holiday favorites. Later this week, Market 32 and Price Chopper will unveil additional Thanksgiving promotions also launching November 16, focused on pairing abundance with affordability for families across the Northeast.
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Pittsfield Council Reviews Public Safety Budget, Keeps SpotShotter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On the fourth day of budget deliberations, the City Council preliminarily approved public safety and public service budgets. 

See the first two days of budget review here; and the third day here.

Councilors deliberated the Pittsfield Police Department's $16,439,421 spending plan for more than 90 minutes. Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren unsuccessfully motioned to cut $220,000 for ShotSpotter services. 

He said the acoustic gunshot detection technology is not well used throughout the country, citing other communities that have opted out or are exploring it. 

Pittsfield has two more years on its contract; while councilors voted down the budget reduction several were willing to explore the impact data and see if those funds could be used elsewhere. 

Police Chief Marc Maddalena reported that there has been a significant decrease in shots fired calls, and attributed it to the surveillance technology assisting enforcement. He said it also comes in faster than 911 calls. 

"If people know that just by that noise alone that we're responding within seconds, that's preventing them from utilizing that weapon," he said. 

"So that in of itself is saving lives." 

It has an about 20 percent accuracy rate, and police respond to every activation. 

On Sunday, at least two homes in the area of Memorial Drive and Doyle Drive were struck by gunfire and investigators located 17 shell casings on scene. This was brought up during conversation; it was reported that there were 13 impulses on ShotSpotter during the incident. 

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