Dave Theobald, President and CEO of ABC Golden Gate Chapter member Turman Commercial Painters in Livermore, Calif. is taking steps to combat the negative side of the economy and is instead focusing on bolstering his community.
In May, Theobald surprised his each of his employees with an envelope containing $50 in $2 bills and instructed them to spend the money at local businesses. He called it the People’s Stimulus Package and said it was a way to give back to his employees, as well as the community in a time where most are struggling.
“There’s so much doom and gloom being discussed that it was fun to do something that changed that,” said Theobald. “I just wanted to change the discussion about the economy to one of hope and action.”
In addition to Turman Commercial Painters, more than 30 other businesses across the country have initiated their own $2 stimulus programs for a total of more than $92,000 given back to local communities nationwide. Since $2 bills are rare and Theobald attached a note explaining the program, he hoped that when people saw the bills, they would be encouraged to participate.
“It’s a great idea that doesn’t require any governmental agencies to get involved – just getting to the bank, getting the money and getting it out to the local community,” said Theobald. “You can make a difference tomorrow.”
Since May, Theobald has passed out another round of stimulus money to his employees and is planning to do it again in August for a total of $30,000.
To learn more about the People’s Stimulus Package or to participate, visit
www.peoplesstimulus.org, or email
contact@peoplesstimulus.org.