NORWICH – The new Bullthistle Bounty Discount Card Program was launched on June 16, during Dairy Day, and was well received by Chenango County residents. With the purchase of a $15 Bullthistle Bounty Discount Card, 34 participating local businesses offer cardholders a 10 percent discount on select items.  Also, the Card comes with a map showing the location of the participating businesses, and a directory with details such as what the 10 percent discount applies to, hours, phone, web sites, and driving directions.
 The Bullthistle Bounty Discount Cards will continue to be on sale throughout the summer at the Bullthistle Bounty booth or Ellen Adams’ Country Fixings & Gifts booth at the Norwich Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Card can also be purchased at Alambria Springs Farm in Sherburne, Baker’s Maple Products in Bainbridge, Homestead Pet & Farm Supply in New Berlin, Hoppies in Oxford, Shadeyside Farm at the Oxford Farmers’ Market; and in Norwich at Chenango Place Products, Ives Cream Parlor, Solstice Whole Foods & Herbs, and OFC, Inc’s office at 44 West Main Street. Additionally, Mail-In Order Forms are available at all participating businesses and on the web at www.ofcinc.org/bounty
 A wide variety of businesses are participating. The 34 also include: Evans’ Farmhouse Creamery, High Meadow Farm, First Edition Books, and the Bohemian Moon restaurant in Norwich; Black Bear Winery in Greene; Chenango Coffee Roasters in South Otselic; Upstate Harvest Granola in Guilford; and several farms carrying produce, grass-fed or organic meats, and other products such as goat milk soap, eggs, honey and maple syrup. 
 The first edition of the cards will expire on April 15, 2008. A second edition of the card will be launched in time for the 2007 holiday season, and will expire on April 15, 2009. The second edition will include many more businesses and services offered in the Chenango region. 
 “Several long-time residents were surprised at how much is available right here in Chenango County,” said Stacie Edick, Bullthistle Products Project Specialist.  “They were excited to discover many farms and businesses that they did not know about before. With the Discount Card they have a little extra motivation to visit these businesses and make purchases. It’s good for the customer because they receive 10 percent off, and it’s good for the businesses because they bring in new customers.”
 This program is part of OFC, Inc.’s Bullthistle Products: Access to Markets Program, which also includes a Buy Local public education campaign. Funding for the effort is provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, and agency partners include Catholic Charities of Chenango County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County, NBT Bank, Commerce Chenango and Chenango County Tourism, Chenango County Planning and Development, Chenango County Farm Bureau, United Way of Chenango County, Made in Chenango, and The Place – The Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich.
 For more information about the program, call Edick at OFC, Inc. at 334-7114 or sedick@ofcinc.org.