MEDIA RELEASE
December 18, 2020

“Shop Local”. It’s the new mantra and we see it every time we open up a newsfeed or hear the morning news. Usually complete with photos, short stories about local merchants reminding shoppers they are open for business, and that the dollars stay in the community. Considering the massive impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses, this mantra has never been more important and it’s why three of the city’s largest business associations are teaming up to reinforce that message. The Chamber along with DKA and URBA have stepped up their cooperation to amplify the message and are hoping mainstream media also reinforces this message as we approach the final week before Christmas.

Reps from all three associations have been the subject of several videos shot over the past few weeks, with cameo appearances from several City of Kelowna Councilors – Mohini Singh, Brad Sieben, Max Dehart, and Mayor Colin Basran, all reinforcing the show local some love message, with good pick-up on social media. Funding is being provided by Chamber Group Insurance and local broker TD Benefits Solutions. The Chamber along with Downtown Kelowna and Uptown Rutland Business Association have been using their communication channels to send out the important reminder.

Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson says, “I hope more people will see our message. It’s really important at this time of year to remind everyone that our local business community needs and deserves our support, particularly with many of them struggling because of increased costs and less revenue.”

Robinson hopes that the time he and city supporters and local businesses are spending with these videos will encourage lots of second thoughts when it comes to shopping local. The four videos are available to share through the Chamber’s social media channels HERE.

For more information:
Jeffrey Robinson, Chamber President: 250-868-2313 jrobinson@rihlaw.com
Dan Rogers, Chamber Executive Director: 250-640-3798 dan@kelownachamber.org
Mark Burley, Executive Director, DKA: 250-862-3515 mark@downtownkelowna.com
Karen Beaubier, Executive Director, URBA: 250-451-9861 executivedirector@uptownrutland.com