Last week the Government of Saskatchewan announced it will be providing $1 million to support a province-wide marketing campaign to encourage Saskatchewan residents to support local businesses and their employees.
The funding will be provided to the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce to work in partnership with other regional chambers to expand its successful “Together We Stand” campaign across the province.
“Encouraging Saskatchewan residents to buy local is a great initiative of the business community that we are pleased to support during this unprecedented difficult economic time,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison in a release announcing the funding. “This consumer campaign to support local businesses, led by the Regina Chamber and to be shared across our province, will help connect consumers directly with Saskatchewan businesses during the ongoing pandemic, throughout our economic recovery initiatives, and for the long-term.”
The “Together We Stand” campaign helps bridge the gap between consumers and businesses in the province, keeping the economy moving now and ensuring the Saskatchewan business community is ready to move forward with recovery efforts in the critical weeks ahead.
Juanita Polegi, executive director with the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce said the initiative is a good one.
“The Together We Stand campaign is a terrific initiative,” she told Yorkton This Week.
“It reminds consumers of the important role our local businesses play in keeping our communities strong.”
Polegi said the way the funding is being targeted is good as well.
“That the funding to direct the campaign is being funneled through the Chambers of Commerce network in Saskatchewan is a clear demonstration that the government recognizes the influence and reach of the Chambers,” she said. “The Yorkton Chamber looks forward to the opportunity to develop a campaign focused on Yorkton businesses.”
“There are a number of ways residents can support local businesses here, and that’s true for people supporting their local businesses right across Saskatchewan,” Regina and District Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hopkins said in the funding release. “We thank the government for their strong support and continuing partnership with our business community on this “Together We Stand” campaign and other key projects to keep Saskatchewan working.”
Many Saskatchewan businesses remain fully or partially open; however, they are reporting a significant decline in sales, which this province-wide campaign will work to help remedy. While they may be closed to the public, many businesses remain open through other options such as delivery, pickup, online e-commerce services or other methods. This campaign will help increase awareness of these alternative options to safely buy local during the global COVID-19 crisis.
“In communities right across Saskatchewan, local businesses have been there to sponsor local sports teams, community events, fundraising efforts and other initiatives,” Harrison said. “Now is the time for us as a government and residents, if they are able, to be there to return that support.”
The campaign will encourage consumers to support local businesses, including through online and phone sales, and curbside pickup and delivery options.
