Supporting local business is the best way to boost the local economy.
From purchasing trucks, furniture or even shoes, infusing local businesses with community support guarantees a thriving town.
The Prince George Citizen is kicking off a month-long initiative where residents can show just how Town Proud they are by supporting local businesses that will be featured in the newspaper each day from March 8 to April 2.
"There will be full editorial content throughout the month and profiles of businesses, including editorial content from our partners in this project," said Dave Smith, advertising director for The Citizen.
"I think first and foremost we want people to understand the dollars they spend locally stay locally," said Smith. "I think Town Proud is the whole town's message, not just the Prince George Citizen's, we just want to be the catalyst to start the conversation and it's everybody's job to continue spreading that message to buy local."
When residents of the community choose to support local businesses, that enables those businesses to support local projects. Local businesses support local sports teams for all age levels, they donate to community causes to help Prince George thrive and they give back to the community that supports them, said Smith.
Environmentally-friendly residents will be happy to know that buying local reduces emissions from for a variety of shipping routes, whether it's air, road or sea. Goods and services take fuel to get to Prince George, but if purchasing locally made and grown products those strains on the environment are significantly reduced, noted Smith.
"If we can get one person to convince another person to shop locally, then we've done our job," said Smith. "This is all about the betterment of our city and we're proud to be partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Prince George. Each and every person and company that becomes a part of this initiative gets to spread the word and I think that can be very powerful."
As a special bonus, there's a $5,000 spending spree available to be won by residents who enter their name in the draw boxes while they visit participating businesses.
It's not too late for businesses that wish to join the Town Proud PG movement, said Smith.
"Just give us a call," said Smith.
To reach the Prince George Citizen call 250-562-2441.
Be sure to check out all the excitement through the website dedicated to the Town Proud PG movement at www.townproudpg.ca or jump into social media through the Facebook page Town Proud PG and Twitter account @TownProudPG.
