How many times have you made a call to a local business asking for a charitable donation?
Local businesses have supported the community for years by donating to charity fundraisers and by stepping up to the plate when community groups have asked for help.
So I really hope the community supports local businesses through the Burns Lake Incentive Program (BLIP).
Shopping locally not only keeps our economy going, but it keeps local people employed.
By supporting the BLIP incentive, not only will you be helping local businesses keep their doors open, but you will also be getting a great deal with the coupon incentives offered by the businesses.
Not only that, but the more local stores you shop in, the more coupons for savings you will receive.
It’s that simple.
The effects of losing Babine Forest Products can be kept to a minimum if people choose to spend their money locally, rather than take it to Prince George or elsewhere.
While the job losses from Babine Forest Products are extensive for our community, things could be a lot worse if local businesses started closing down or laying off staff.
Realistically there is no reason why the majority of purchases can not be made in town.
If a local retailer doesn’t have something you are looking for - ask them to see if they could order the item in for you.
I often hear people say that it is cheaper to shop elsewhere, which, in my experience, is not always the case.
Especially when you factor in fuel or delivery charges.
As an example, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch number 50 purchased new chairs recently for their newly renovated hall.
At first they thought of purchasing the chairs out of town, but then discovered that they could purchase them from local Home Hardware cheaper than they could have purchased them from Prince George.
Not only that, but Home Hardware delivered them to the Legion.
It was a win, win situation for both parties.
Stationary purchases can also be made in town. How often do you see SpeeDee Printer’s delivering office supplies in Burns Lake. We have stores that sell office furniture and equipment. Most items can be purchased in town I am sure.
Before you purchase something why not check with local retailers first.
That being said let’s also remind local merchants that top notch service and fair prices always brings back a customer.
Burns Lake has to come first.
Support the town you live in by shopping local, first.