QponChicago.com Launches for LGBT, Allied Community

QponChicago.com is a new website focused on deals by and for the LGBT and allied community of the Chicago region. The project launches this month in marketing partnership with Windy City Times, Chicago's award-winning LGBT newspaper.

QponChicago.com will feature daily deals on a wide range of products and services, including restaurants, spas, travel, entertainment, health, beauty, pets, and much more.

Suzanne Arnold and Tracy Baim, the founders of QponChicago.com, have a long history of involvement in Chicago's LGBT community, including through media and sports programs. They both served as leaders of the Gay Games VII board in 2006. Arnold has been a leader in numerous sports leagues, and Baim is co-founder and publisher of Windy City Times.

"We wanted to create a one-stop place to find the best deals for the LGBT Chicago area, and that includes deals from great places all around the city and suburbs, in addition to special travel-related deals in other cities," said Arnold.

QponChicago.com uses the innovative "QR Code" technology for each coupon, and it allows those purchasing coupons to receive the unique QR code for their coupon purchase through an email alert. They can elect to have the QR code sent instantly to their phone, to save on carrying the printed coupon.

The website also allow businesses to sign up and monitor sales of their coupons, and post new deals. They can void coupons through a QR reader or through the website.

"Our goal is to make this a win-win for businesses and consumers," said Baim. "We want to drive traffic to LGBT and allied companies, and we want to help consumers by offering a range of LGBT-friendly choices. There is power in the 'gay dollar,' and this will complement a company's existing advertising plans with a no-risk coupon program."

The QponChicago.com website was developed by Lisa Hernandez and Martie Marro of LoveYourWebsite.com, a community-based business that works extensively with LGBT non-profits and small businesses.

For more information, see http://www.qponchicago.com.