A6 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST
Think Local First Victoria: LOV E S LO CA L ! Building a Stronger Community, One Local Business at a Time
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 A6
TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
By: Mary Lou Newbold, President of Think Local First & CEO of Mayfair Optometric Clinic
What is Think Local First?
612 Boleskine Rd. Victoria BC V8Z 1E8 WESTCOM.IT | 778-401-6160
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830 Pandora Ave. Victoria, BC, V8W 1P4 250 388 5555
963 Langford Parkway Victoria, BC, V9B 0A5 250 478 5588
951 Canada Ave. Duncan, BC, V9L 1V2 250 856 9440
L.A. LIMOUSINES
Think Local First Victoria is a non-profit society specifically dedicated to championing independent businesses in the Greater Victoria region. Starting out as Shop Local Victoria in 2012 with $1000 of seed money from the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the group rebranded in 2014 to Think Local First as they expanded to encompass more than retail stores. Currently the society has over 130 members and includes service providers, nonprofits and health care professionals from all over the CRD as well as some of Victoria’s most iconic storefronts. Some members such as Spinnakers, Mayfair Optometric Clinic, Wilson’s Transportation Group, Monk Office, and Robinson’s Outdoor Store have been around since the very beginning, while other businesses such as Fine Line Edits, Western Canada Security, Proline Property Management, and Whisk have joined in the last few years. Think Local First chapters are unique in that they are entirely run by enthusiastic volunteers who are also neighborhood business owners or representatives themselves.
Economic Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses Locally owned businesses contribute an average of 66 cents of every dollar directly back into their communities whereas multinationals contribute as little as 11 cents ; to put those statistics another way, a 10 percent shift in shopping toward local businesses province-wide translates to the creation of 14,150 jobs and 4.3 billion dollars for BC’s economy.
people intuitively know that local businesses are the heart and soul of a community. They contribute to the social fabric by supporting local causes, sponsoring events, and fostering a sense of belonging. When you shop locally, you’re not just buying a product or service; you’re also investing in the community’s well-being, ensuring that the special character of your neighborhood thrives. Additionally, local merchants and service providers are more likely to make environmentally friendly choices, and support other local sellers, reducing the overall carbon footprint and preserving our region’s precious resources for future generations.
What are the benefits of being a member of Think Local First? One of the most valuable practical perks TLF provides is organizing numerous events throughout the year, such as monthly networking mixers, quarterly new member breakfasts, and the
annual Think Local First Week which is typically leading to the holiday season. These events give members frequent chances to connect with other local leaders and share experiences, advice, encouragement, and resources. Members may also offer each other member-to-member discounts or choose to partner up to collaborate on co-op advertising opportunities.
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The Think Local First website (thinklocalvictoria.com) has a comprehensive profile for each member business as well as a listing in their searchable directory to help you reach new markets and connect with valued clients and fellow TLF Victoria members. By joining and supporting Think Local First, individuals and companies can gain valuable business benefits and also contribute to sustaining a vibrant, diverse, and resilient local economy. For more information about Think Local First please reach out. hello@thinklocalvictoria.com www.thinklocalvictoria.com
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Social Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses Besides the benefits of providing jobs and fueling economic growth,
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