Shopping locally in Castlegar

The Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce reminds residents why it's important to support local business

Pam McLeod and Anna Kaytor are eager to raise awareness about shopping locally in the community of Castlegar. — Breanne Massey photo

Local businesses contribute to the survival of the community, but the entrepreneurs in Castlegar must compete with cross-border shopping in America.

Residents of Castlegar may be tempted to take a quick trip to the States to shop, but the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce wants to raise awareness about the advantages of shopping locally.

“It’s about raising awareness of our spending habits,” said Pam McLeod, executive director of the Castlegar chamber, “and being conscious about local fundraisers.”

Local businesses contribute significantly to the amenities of any city—maintaining the infrastructure of the city, emergency services and local commerce initiatives. The shop-local campaign in Castlegar is being funded by the Heritage Credit Union, and it is focused on investing in the community, which in turn creates more employment opportunities. This initiative is not just about supporting local business, it’s about recognizing that those businesses give back to the community through charities, clubs and sports organizations.

For more information about the shop-local campaign, follow the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce on Twitter.