It's no secret the vibrancy and unique character of the Tri-Cities is largely defined, in part, by the businesses that reside here, who—now more than ever—depend on community support to help them along the road to an equitable recovery.
Even with B.C.’s latest economic blow from the fifth wave of COVID-19, Tri-Cities businesses continue to face a multitude of challenges, including the labour crunch, supply chain stalls, inflation, and other uncertainties on the horizon.
It’s time to show a little extra love to local entrepreneurs to help them recover and strengthen their revenues to a more pre-pandemic level, which is exactly the earnest message behind the Tri-Local initiative relaunch.
Aimed to facilitate community engagement and encourage locals to shop locally, Tri-Local operates under the stewardship of a cohesive partnership with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, Austin Heights BIA, Downtown PoCo BIA, Shop Local Port Moody, Port Moody & Co., Tri-City News and the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
“Tri-Local is designed to engage, educate and motivate our community to spend their money within the Tri-Cities,” explains Christina Brown, program coordinator, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
“Our local businesses recirculate 63 per cent of their revenue back into the community through taxes, charitable donations, job creation and their supply chain.”
Commercially healthy communities
Small businesses in the Tri-Cities often give back to the community in other ways, too, by financially backing other independent businesses. As local business owners, they often sell local products, which helps preserve the community’s distinction.
Tri-Cities business owners champion a lot of local and regional sources, and are well-informed about their product’s origins. Since most merchants know their customers, they can easily adjust their inventories to include the goods and services Tri-Cities residents want to buy.
When these small businesses are strong, the community and local economy are strengthened. Restoring the health of the local economy hinges on everyone in the community pulling together and participating. This money goes right back into the community where you live and work, helping support valuable programs for you and your family.
“Many of us think that, as an individual, we do not have the power to change the tide—thankfully, when we choose to visit a local retailer, restaurant or service provider we are actually helping to impact our local economy 4.6 times more than if we spent that money at a multinational,” says Brown.
She’s quick to say that the relaunch of Tri-Local and their recent community efforts would not be possible without the federal funding distributed through the BC Chamber of Commerce from Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“Tri-Cities communities have embraced shopping local throughout the pandemic, and we want this to grow into 2022,” says Leslie Courchesne, CEO of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled to receive this funding for the Tri-Local campaign to support local businesses and chamber members.”
Keeping connected
The campaign’s relaunch coincides with the new Tri-Local website, anticipated March 1, 2022. You can support your local community by connecting through the business directory, which includes listings of local businesses in the Tri-Cities. Plus, an ongoing blog highlights local businesses and educates different ways people can support.
“We will also have a community Instagram page attached so people can share their photos and videos,” says Brown.
“When they tag Tri-Local, it will be featured on our blog and social media.”
Proprietors are under enormous pressures right now, so it’s important to support when and wherever you can. Get out and reconnect with your neighbours to organized events, and consider donating to support local fundraising efforts.
“We’re seeing this massive shift back to the higher quality experience of shopping or going out to eat, which is exciting,” says Brown.
“A lot of people are looking for that personal engagement, as opposed to simply the e-commerce convenience.”
“Our Tri-Cities entrepreneurs have been working hard over the last couple of years to continue providing us with exceptional service, quality products and safe experiences,” Brown says.
“It is time we showed our gratitude by supporting local businesses: Tri-Local, Buy Local!”
For more information, visit trilocal.ca. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of a Tri-Local event, please contact Christina Brown at the Chamber at programs@tricitieschamber.com.
