Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce building. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Chamber receives funding for four “shop local” initiatives

Jun 24, 2021 | 12:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A series of campaigns are about to get underway to encourage economic activity in Lethbridge.

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce has received a federal grant of $139,000 to expand its ongoing efforts to encourage patronage of local businesses.

“This funding represents an opportunity to launch the biggest campaign that we’ve ever had to promote and support local businesses in a real and tangible way,” says Cyndi Vos, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to this funding from the federal government, we now have four brand new initiatives that will touch on businesses across every sector in our region.”

The four campaigns are as follows:

ShopLocal

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Will focus on helping companies with a retail component establish a strong local presence.

A major facet will be the launch of the Chamber Market, an online store that lets local retailers create a digital retail presence.

ExploreLocal

Will focus on the region’s offline experience.

It will highlight local attractions, hotels, restaurants, sports teams, and more.

This campaign aims to show people that you do not need to leave Lethbridge to have world-class experiences

BuildLocal

Will focus on the region’s talented thinkers, creators, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

It aims to encourage these people to stay local and build their lives in the community.

InvestLocal

Will showcase the strength of the region as an agriculture hub.

Through the Harvesting our Local Commodities, the Chamber aims to highlight the many commodities of Southern Alberta and shine a spotlight on locally-produced products.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, community chambers have truly been a lifeline for businesses,” says Ken Kobly, Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO. “As we transition to reopening and recovery, we still have a long road ahead to rebuild our economy. This federal funding will help chambers do what we do best: support local job creators.”