CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Le Village and Downtown Business Improvement Areas (BIA)s and the City of Cornwall are encouraging residents to shop local this Christmas.
The focus of this year’s Shop Local campaign is to highlight how small businesses support local charities, sports teams, healthcare initiatives, the arts and more. Without the support of local consumers, small businesses would not be able to support these initiatives in turn.
“Our small businesses employ hundreds of local people and give back to the community by supporting the arts community and charitable organizations,” says Rory McLennan, president of the chamber. “Likewise support for local health care and sports programs is crucially important. We hope that area residents will return the favour by continuing to support our local stores and restaurants.”
Returning this year are the popular ‘be.local.’ T-shirts, which are available at the Chamber of Commerce at 113 Second St. E., and at the City of Cornwall Economic Development Department office at 100 Water Street in the Civic Complex for $20.
There will also be a Facebook contest held where participants can share a picture of themselves shopping locally on the ‘We Shop in Cornwall’ Facebook page for a chance to win $500.
Todd Lihou, Centretown Coordinator with Heart of the City explained that shopping locally keeps dollars in the community, which is not the case with online shopping.
“Local merchants can quickly bring in a product that you have found online, or may already have it in the store,” says Todd Lihou, Centretown Coordinator with Heart of the City. “Shopping locally also makes it easier to exchange, repair or return a product.”
