Upgraded web platform connects shoppers with independent, locally-owned businesses in Northern B.C.
February 6, 2019 – Prince George, BC
Northern Development has successfully launched a brand-new, mobile-friendly Love Northern BC website to better connect 1,600 businesses with customers.
The original website was designed to be viewed on a desktop to support one community and 50 businesses. However, a 2017 site analysis revealed that nearly 50 per cent of web traffic came from mobile or tablet devices.
The site is now optimized for mobile users and the upgraded platform offers other perks.
Visitors to the site are invited to make an account and can receive email updates about the program, including “new business” notifications. Users can also create “favourite” lists to keep track of places they want to visit. This tool is perfect for someone visiting the area for business or planning a road trip through the region.
Love Northern BC began in 2011 as Small Town Love, a Quesnel-based grassroots initiative. Its purpose was to create an online platform to showcase and support local businesses competing against chain stores and online retail. In 2016, Northern Development expanded Small Town Love into a movement including 74 communities and spanning vast distances through ongoing committed funding and support. Through partnerships between the Trust and local community champions, the program has become Love Northern BC – the largest shop local program in Canada.
Quotes
“Local businesses are the backbone of the economy in the North. Through the Love Northern BC platform, we are able to showcase the unique businesses that call our communities home.” Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“This is a fantastic program and really benefits our community and all northern communities that are involved. Action Play Café is very pleased to be a part of this program” Amber Bell, Co-owner, Action Play Café, Tumbler Ridge
“It’s amazing to see how much the program has changed over the years! As a community champion for Love Williams Lake, I truly appreciate all that Northern Development has done to support businesses throughout Northern B.C. with the Love Northern BC program” Beth Veenkamp, Economic Development Officer, City of Williams Lake (and Love Williams Lake community champion!)
About Northern Development Initiative Trust
Northern Development has a passion for growing the economy of central and northern British Columbia. Communities, First Nations and businesses of the north are leaders in creating jobs, new revenues and improving the quality of life in the region, and the Trust is dedicated to supporting their growth. The Trust combines funding with smart thinking and since 2005 has found more than 3,300 ways to say “yes” to projects that help the region thrive.
Make sure to follow @LoveNorthernBC on Instagram and Facebook!
Contact:
Holly Plato
Director of Marketing and Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
hollyp@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
Katherine Benny
Communications Officer (Love Northern BC)
Northern Development Initiative Trust
katherine@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
