‘ We are just going to try to give them facts’
New group to remind shoppers of the value of local businesses to the economy
SYDNEY — Reminders of the importance of small business to the local economy will be brought to the public through a new association of local business owners in the coming months.
“There’s no big corporations anymore. Small businesses are employing most of our local kids and people,” said Kim Boudreau a member of the new Economic Future Development Foundation.
“The biggest employer, I think, is the regional hospital, after that it’s small business. People really need to remember that.”
Boudreau said the group includes a core of 10 committed local business owners who have formed a committee to get the initiative underway. They have been attending weekly meetings since the middle of January, joined by other members of the business community.
“We have a lot of support beyond that group but the core is dedicated to mapping out a year program. The other businesses are going to be onboard with the campaign.”
The group has already decided on its mission statement which will be “informing our communities of the power of local buying” and an education campaign along those lines will be launched during the first week of April.
“We are just going to try to give them facts and statistics on why spending, keeping local is so important and why keeping local business open is important,” she said.
“I think it will give us a chance to talk about why we need you to shop local and say thank you for supporting us and keeping jobs here.”
Through the initiative, the members of the Economic Future Development Foundation plan to build on some of the ideas found in the former Think Cape Breton First campaign as well as some of the advice placed in the One Nova Scotia commission report.
“What we are thinking is we are going to be a modern day Think Cape Breton first,” said Boudreau. “We are using some of their ideas but we are trying to make it more modern.”
The modern aspect of the campaign comes in part from the One Nova Scotia report also known as the Ivany Report which means the campaign and its ideals could eventually spread to all of Nova Scotia.
In the meantime, the foundation will continue to host its weekly meetings, currently being held at Flavor on the Water. Boudreau said anyone interested in joining them is welcome.
In particular, they are looking for people to help the group develop a logo and others to add some insight and assistance to their marketing goals.
Email economicfuturedevelopment@gmail.com or search ‘Economic Future Development Foundation’ on Facebook for more information.