City of Powell River has announced the launch of a new promotional contest to benefit small businesses in the qathet region by encouraging residents to buy local. According to a media release from the city, the contest is called: I Got Caught Shopping Local. The campaign opens December 1.
The city is partnering with Powell River Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Powell River on the campaign, along with media sponsors the Peak and qathet Living.
To participate in the contest, a person only needs to buy a product or service from a participating local business and ask for an "I Got Caught Shopping Local" button, while they last. Those caught wearing a button by a button-spotter will win a prize. The release stated that "it’s a fun way to get people in the door to shop and buy from locally owned stores."
The city is committed to supporting the small business economy wherever possible, the release stated. The business retention and expansion program, business façade improvement program, Thursday night markets, cheer fest market, qathet goods and services directory, free business networking events, entrepreneur immigration program, farm economy plan, and the promotion of film production in the region are all development programs designed for sustainability in this critically important sector of the local economy, according to the release.
“Buying local creates jobs, builds community identity, supports various organizations and causes, and diversifies the local marketplace,” stated mayor Ron Woznow. “This new campaign comes at a time when small businesses in Powell River are still feeling the impact of the pandemic, struggling to pay back government loans by the end of this year, and fielding changes in consumer demand and labour supply challenges. Many entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to operate profitably, and plan for future growth with confidence.
“The success of our small business sector is vital to Powell River’s prosperity. I hope you will join me in buying locally this festive season.”
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