TISDALE, NIPAWIN, MELFORT — Three chambers of commerce are joining forces to produce videos encouraging people to shop locally.
The Nipawin, Tisdale and Melfort chambers received $43,000 from the federal government for the Shop the Northeast campaign, which is encouraging people to live, shop, play and invest in the region.
“We’re really excited about this initiative,” said Lisa Suchlandt, the Nipawin and District Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. “It’ll showcase their businesses in northeast Saskatchewan. We're hoping that once they're completed, then we can start showcasing what Nipawin and area, Tisdale and area, and Melfort and area have to offer.”
The videos, being produced by Aspen Films of Prince Albert, will be highlighting local businesses. Once complete, they will be shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Due to limited funding, the three chambers have opted to charge participating businesses a fee, so that they are able to produce more videos as well as being able to produce some in the winter for those that do more business during that season. The fee is lower for members of the chambers.
Suchlandt said the chambers are working on 30 videos as of Aug. 6.
“We still have spots available in all three communities, so if they want to participate, they just have to call their local chamber,” she said.
“We're also looking for models for the photos and stuff, so if anybody would be interested in having their kids at the park pushing them on a swing or something like that when we take video, that is also something we're looking for.”
Suchlandt said area businesses need people to shop locally as opposed to ordering their goods from far away online, especially now that they no longer face health restrictions that require mask-wearing and limit the number of customers.
Nationally, the federal government is providing $33 million to provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to support awareness-building campaigns that promote consumer confidence and local businesses. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s share is up to $1.16 million.
Jim Carr, the federal cabinet’s special representative for the Prairies, said the program, which aims to help businesses in recovering after the pandemic, will look different in each region to respond to local needs.
“As our economy begins to safely reopen, these investments will encourage Canadians to support their local small businesses, helping them recover quicker,” he said. “By partnering with chambers of commerce, we can reach more businesses to stimulate local economies, create jobs and improve the quality of life for people in the Prairies and across Canada.”
