Chambers of Commerce
Supporting Local Business!
Do you know what you’ve done?!
You’ve just made a difference. Your patronage of a locally owned independent business does big things for Sechelt – from impacting the local economy, to enhancing its character and appeal.
As consumers, we have the power to shape our community! Isn’t that an amazing thought?
Every time we open our wallets to a business, we are saying, “I like what you do! Keep doing it.” When we shop local, we are saying YES to a strong vibrant local economy that translates into a unique and interesting community.
Your purchase today…
…has a huge impact on the local economy. In fact, 3 times the economic benefit compared to the same purchase made at a chain retailer. Why? Because local businesses, bank locally, hire local accountants, attorneys and designers, and advertise in local media.
…ensures we have choice and diversity of products and services. More businesses mean more choice. And it is often easier for independent businesses to carry more specialized lines, or new products, or to support local artisans.
…creates a vibrant and sustainable culture for independent business. Something wonderful happens when small business thrives – it attracts more businesses, creating pockets of complementary shops. You might see a clothing store open first, then an accessory store, followed by a shoe store and finally a café.
…develops and maintains community character. Ask someone to name their favorite shop or café… chances are it’s an independent business. Yet we often forget these local places rely on our patronage to survive. Sechelt is not just a target market to them – it’s their home, and they have a personal vested interest in the long term health of this community.
Money Spent Local, Stays Local.
Several studies have shown that money spent at a locally owned business stays in the local economy and continues to strengthen the economic base of the community. These studies showed that for every $100 in consumer spending locally yielded $45. That is $45.00 more that will impact the local economy.
Local Owners are Local Contributors.
There are other benefits to buying local as well. Research has shown that small local businesses make indispensable contributions to communities and neighborhoods. A study of businesses detailing charitable giving showed that when in-kind contributions were included, small firms gave an average of $789 per employee, medium sized firms $172, and large firms $334. Additionally, large firms contribute primarily to the area where the corporation is headquartered, not necessarily where they do business.
Local Businesses Offer Stable Employment.
Small businesses account for the largest share of net new jobs generated each year, and locally based business provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in a community. For all their economic power, the number of jobs provided by global corporations relative to the world's workforce is small. The 200 largest corporations in the world employ less than 1 percent of the global workforce although they account for about 30 percent of global economic activity. Between 1983 and 1999 the number of people they employ grew by 14 percent while their profits grew over 360 percent. Most job growth comes from local independent businesses.
Maintain Uniqueness.
Additionally, an economy of diverse, unique businesses promoted by locally owned business attracts today's skilled workers and investors who can choose to settle and grow businesses anywhere. In his research, Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class, shows that today's creative workers are choosing to settle in places that preserve their distinctive character. And, Richard Moe, president of the national historic preservation trust says these one-of-a-kind communities attract tourists as well. What tourists want is the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace. They aren't interested in visiting communities that have transformed themselves into a sad hodge-podge of cookie-cutter housing tracts, cluttered commercial strips and bleak downtowns.
Thank you for supporting your Community by Shopping Local!
Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 360
#102 - 5700 Cowrie Street
Sechelt BC V0N 3A0
Email: sdcoc9@telus.net
Phone 604.885.0662
Fax 604.885.0691
For
Visitor Information please contact:
Sechelt Visitor Information
Centre
Seaside Centre
5790 Teredo Street, Sechelt
Email: visitorinfo@dccnet.com
Website: www.secheltvisitorcentre.com
Toll Free: 1.877.885.1036
