By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Native Inc., a locally owned marketing strategy and software development company will officially launch their new app on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

Native Director of Business Relations Ryan Tramel said the Native Rewards app will provide a connection between local business owners and consumers. Tramel said the app will reward consumers for shopping locally and help local merchants expand their customer bases.

Tramel said the app will level the playing field for national chains and small local businesses. He said the app will utilize technology to allow local merchants to connect directly with their consumers. Tramel said crowdsourcing provides the network with pooled funding that makes it possible for small business owners to thrive in the global marketplace.

According to Native, the app will allow shoppers to save and win money, just by shopping at local businesses. “All you have to do is show the app on your phone at the register to be entered in one of Native's $100 a week Fortune drawings,” Tramel said. “Native is giving away $100 in both Jackson and DeKalb Counties each week, and Fortune winnings can be spent at businesses that use Native in either county. Shoppers will also gain access to personalized deals from local businesses, just by having the app.”

The Native Education Rewards program provides a way to connect your local business to your local school, ensuring that businesses and schools retain a close partnership. Simply by downloading the app and filling out the online form at $0.25 is given to your school of choice in DeKalb or Jackson County.

"I grew up here, and I know that it's the local businesses that are supporting the band, and the softball team, and coming out to the homecoming parade," said Marketing Director Ashley Stanford, "We can't lose sight of the bond between local businesses and the school system. This is how we can reward both for being the fabric of the community."

More than 50 local merchants have already joined the Native Network, and the company hopes to reach 500 merchants by Christmas 2016. The Native Rewards app is free to download on the App Store for iPhones and the Google Play store for Android phones.