Keeping it local.
The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce has launched a #PentictonFirst campaign to encourage its members and all Pentictonites to shop local.
To do this the campaign will give participants entries to “significant” quarterly prize draws.
“Over the past couple of years our business community has suffered in the summers where they usually are able to really make their year, due to wildfires,” said Nicole Clarke, a member of the chamber board of directors. “The chamber thought we should be doing something to encourage locals to support our local business community and make this more of a year-round town.”
One entry will be given to a purchaser who shops at a local business and posts on their social media of choice, including the hashtag #Pentictonfirst, tag @chamberpenticton and either check in at the business or include a photo of the business in their post.
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The first prize will be drawn on April 5 and includes one night’s accommodation at Chute Lake Lodge for two, full-day bike rental for a ride from the lodge down the KVR Trail to Penticton with shuttle from Penticton back to Chute Lake and a one-hour canoe rental at Chute Lake.
This prize is valued at $320 and has been provided by Hoodoo Adventure Company.
According to the chamber, studies show for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the local economy but the same amount spent at a non-local merchant returns $43 to the local economy.
Related: Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce to offer “speed-dating” style candidate forums
Particularly at this time of year when there are fewer tourist dollars coming in, the chamber believes people should support local businesses to “keep them afloat.”
Becoming a “tourist in your own town” by visiting a new restaurant or experience, going to a Vees game, concert or play are all ways to boost the local economy.
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Mark Brett | Reporter
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