By By Lydia Grimes
features reporter
When customers head to Brewton and East Brewton businesses today to spend “$20 on the 20th,” some will be paying with some familiar currency in the community — $2 bills. 
Pharmacist Danny Cottrell and several other business owners will be giving their employees $40 in $2 bills in exchange for a $20 bill. They are encouraging employees to spend that money today as part of a community-wide local shopping effort.
The Brewton Standard and Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with businesses across Brewton and East Brewton, are sponsoring the “Spend $20 on the 20th” effort.
Cottrell’s effort today echoes his “one-man stimulus package” from earlier this year, when he divided $16,000 in $2 bills among all of his employees at Medical Center Pharmacy. The only stipulation was that they spend the money in Brewton area businesses and give part to charity.
The $2 bill “stimulus package” made news across the country, and Cottrell appeared on national television and radio news programs.
Cottrell and the other businesses have asked their employees to bring in a $20 bill, and it will be replaced with $40 in $2 bills. Businesses taking part include First Exchange Bank, Weaver’s and Shades of Gray, Milligan’s, WEBJ, Brewton Eye Clinic, The Treasure Chest, Bracken’s, Jus Do and The Hourglass.
David Jennings, owner of Milligan’s in downtown Brewton, said he was glad to be a part of a drive to help local businesses.
Cottrell said he hopes residents will make an effort to spend money with local businesses today — and every day.