A walk around town will give the City of Vernon an idea on how businesses are faring.
The city is introducing a Business Walks program.
“It’s a partnership facilitated by the city with local business service providers,” said Kevin Poole, the city’s economic development manager.
On the morning of Oct. 1, volunteer walkers – two-person teams of business, civic leaders and business support service providers – will go from business to business for approximately three hours.
The walkers will ask basic structured questions that the local business and civic leaders view as something that would help the community succeed.
“The economic development office will then target the companies most in need of follow-up visits,” said Poole. “That will be used to gather more detailed information and provide one-on-one support if necessary.
The Business Walks program will allow the city a chance to communicate local successes and obstacles in doing business in Vernon, and increase awareness of services available to businesses in Vernon.
Free parking
‘Tis getting close to the season of free parking in downtown Vernon.
Council approved free parking on specific dates during the holiday season for traditional events.
There will be free parking all day Friday, Nov. 29, for the annual Festival of Christmas Traditions. The event itself runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There will be free all-day parking on Saturdays during the Christmas season. The dates include Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28.
Council also approved free regional transit service within city limits to and from the downtown core on Friday, Nov. 29.
