– Michele Byrne is a Co-Owner of the Dutch Bakery and Diner, and Board Member of Think Local First.
GREATER VICTORIA – As one of the newest board members of Think Local First I am excited to be a part of what business owners can accomplish when we work together. For example, we are able to take advantage of media opportunities that independently, none of us would be able to afford. We host social events where business owners are reminded how easy it is to support each other. These events also make it easy for neighbouring business owners to get to know one another.
We recently participated in Car Free Day downtown where we got our message of “Think Local First” out to all the people who participated. Our AGM in the lobby of the Atrium Building hosted nearly 200 local owners and managers. In June, White Hall Rowing hosted our spring mixer where more than 70 members were in attendance. All these events allow business owners to network with other business owners.
The momentum around the city is shifting as consumers realize how valuable it is to shop local. Our Think Local Rewards Card now has over 30 businesses where you can earn merits to be redeemed at any participating location for free items or gift cards. In addition, many of these businesses offer punch cards for free products at their stores. For example, The Dutch Bakery and Diner offers punch cards for cake purchases which can then be used towards any product.
For more information, visit www.thinklocalvictoria.com and click on TLF rewards for a list of participating businesses.
We hope that as the awareness about this program increases, more consumers will consider shopping local. As the shift in local shopping continues, we want to encourage more businesses to join us.
Many of these business would not still be around if it wasn’t for our loyal customers. We want to stay in business for many more years and need your help to do that.
The Dutch Bakery and Diner celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It’s thanks to our customers that we are able to do this. We hope to continue to spread the word about how valuable it is to shop local and encourage our customers to support fellow Think Local First businesses.
