Student government and community join together to help student’s wallets

The Student Government Association at Missouri Western has recently launched a program to help college students save some money at many area restaurants and retailers.

“The Student Government Association initiated this program,” SGA President Natalie Bailey said. “It’s a national program, and we were able to bring it here. I think it is a really good thing. It offers discounts to all students and faculty with a current ID. It’s a good deal because it can also be used at Maryville and UMKC.”

The program is called the Student Savings Club and is now available to all students, faculty and staff at no cost. By simply showing a current school ID when making a purchase, the cardholder will receive the discount or a special that is being offered at that certain establishment.

“We give 10 percent off of all menu items excluding alcohol,” said Jeremy Leer, manager of Uncle D’s Sports Bar and Grill. “We haven’t noticed much feedback so far, but we hope to get the word out to get more students in here.”

Many businesses see this as a win/win situation for the customer and the business.

“In the bowling area, we offer the buy one game and get one game free during open bowl, and in Legends we offer the buy one entrée and get one entrée free,” said John Inscho, general manager at Belt Bowl and Legends Sports Bar and Grill. “Not many students have taken advantage of this deal yet, but we are hoping to get more business from the college students.”

The SGA is doing what they can to get the word out about the Student Savings Club.

“I think if students don’t know about this program by now, they will know soon,” Bailey said. “We are really pushing this with flyers, facebook and e-mails to the student body. Once it warms up, we will be writing on the sidewalks with chalk to let students know about the discounts available to them.”

The students who have already gotten the word are excited to have this program working in their favor.

“I think this is a great program to offer to college students,” freshman Mickey Lindsey said. “Being a broke college student sucks sometimes, so just knowing there are some places to go where you can show your ID and get a discount is pretty cool.”

Students can get a list of all the retailers and discounts offered by going to www.studentsavingsclub.com. Some around St. Joseph include: Ground Round, Houlihan’s, Legends Bar & Grill, Nelly’s Mexican Food, Rib Crib, Uncle D’s Bar & Grill, Belt Bowl, From You Flowers, Bliss Salon, Drury Inn, and Holiday Inn.