PENTICTON – Every year we work on new and important strategies to support our Downtown and thereby our community. Last year we did all kinds of new events and “shop local” campaigns. This year, in partnership with Sun- FM/EZ Rock and the Penticton Herald, we have created a yearlong campaign “I Heart Penticton”.
Throughout the coming year you have seen all kinds of contests and exciting things both on air and in print from our partners, supporting the DPA’s initiative. Why this campaign? We realized you have all heard the “shop local” verbiage over and over, through the TV, radio, on- line and other outlets and although we fully support, we wanted to create something unique and fun – no one likes to be harped on repeatedly. We wanted to challenge you, our community, to really look around and think about why you love Penticton.
In our day to day living, we don’t ever pause to think for a second, about where we live, how we live or what we love about our City. We are asking you to pause….and share with us – why do YOU love Penticton? Is it the amazing and unique local shops, the variety of restaurants, the fact we are between two incredible lakes, that we are 25 mins from skiing and skating or is it the biking/hiking trails that get you excited? When you come Downtown to shop – make it fun and meet for breakfast at a local, independent café, then go shopping in our small Downtown stores.
Did you also know, when you shop small independent stores, the bulk of the money you spend and most of your taxes stay local which helps schools, paves streets, and also supports the police and fire departments who are keeping you safe. This is called the “multiplier effect” and as per the research firm, Civic Economics, for every $100 you spend: on average, 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores and almost nothing on line.
These are just a few reasons to take your time, and shop, eat, and live local. We are excited to be part of your Downtown and want you to tell us why you “heart Penticton”? Watch for the new “I Heart Penticton” logo, online, FB, and twitter and share your experiences and stories all year long with us. The DPA looks forward to another great year and being part of your story.
– Kerri Milton is Executive Director of the Downtown Penticton Association. She can reached at kerri@downtownpenticton.org.