PRINCE GEORGE – The “shop local” movement continues to gain momentum in Northern B.C. with the launch of two online platforms that promote the region’s independent, locally-owned businesses: LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com.
The launch of the new sites, financially supported by Northern Development Initiative Trust, coincides with community events showcasing a host of unique, local businesses and entrepreneurs who will be available to the public to talk about the stories behind their homegrown businesses and the products they sell.
LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com are the latest additions to the largest marketing program in Canada that celebrates locally owned, independent businesses with an aim to strengthen their competitiveness and keep more dollars in the local economy.
With the inclusion of LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com, more than 1200 locally-owned independent businesses have been featured on similar websites across 26 communities throughout the region. These websites feature first-rate photography and storytelling about the independent businesses in each community, as well as a search bar and directory functions to quickly find businesses or specific products online, plus a map that helps residents and visitors locate each business with ease.
Everyone is invited to the free public launch celebrations, which are an excellent opportunity for local residents and visitors alike to come out and meet local business owners as well as learn about, sample, and shop their products. The events also feature free refreshments, giveaways, displays and door prizes. LoveChetwynd.com launch event is on Tuesday December 8th, 5:30pm – 8:30pm at the Chetwynd Public Library, and LoveMackenzie.com event is on Friday December 11th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Alexander Mackenzie Mall.
The LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com projects are a partnership between the Trust, the District of Chetwynd, the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce, District of Mackenzie and the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce.
Quotes:
Evan Saugstad, Board Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“The unique businesses in the North attract customers from across the region and beyond. The LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com platforms are designed to celebrate each community’s locally owned businesses and drive more traffic through their doors. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Chetwynd, Mackenzie and its entrepreneurs to this exciting program.”
Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, MLA Cariboo North
“Designed to promote and celebrate businesses in the community, the “Small Town Love” program is a strong example of collaborative community efforts to support small business success in the province. I look forward to seeing the development of new community partnerships with entrepreneurs throughout B.C. as the program builds momentum.”
Merlin Nichols, Mayor, District of Chetwynd
“I’m a supporter of the endeavour to shop local and supporting local businesses. Shopping local could be the best thing we can do to create a strong and vibrant community. To demonstrate our commitment to a strong Chetwynd, the District of Chetwynd is supporting the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce as it takes the lead role in Love Chetwynd.”
Pat Crook, Mayor, District of Mackenzie
“Mackenzie is very excited to be a part of the Small Town Love movement. To date we have a total of 31 businesses participating in the Love Mackenzie program and look forward to welcoming more of our unique independent businesses to the program. These businesses are a major contributor to the very fabric of our community and this program is an innovative way to showcase the goods and services they have to offer.”
Contacts:
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
250-561-2525
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
Tonia Richter
Manager
Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce
250-788-3345
manager@chetwyndchamber.ca
Pat Crook
Mayor
District of Mackenzie
250-997-3221
info@district.mackenzie.bc.ca
