Hundreds turned out to celebrate Williams Lake's unique and independent small businesses Sunday when Small Town Love invaded Boitanio Park.
Williams Lake recently partnered with Northern Development Initiative Trust (Northern Development) to deliver a unique online marketing program (www.lovewilliamslake.com) that highlights locally-owned independent businesses with an aim to strengthen their competitiveness and keep more dollars in the local economy.
The website features a search and directory function to quickly find businesses or specific products online, plus a map that helps residents and tourists to the community locate and visit each business with ease.
The launch party was free to attend, features food, on-stage and children’s entertainment, free grab bags, and prize draws. Residents and community visitors are encouraged to attend and join the celebration.
Small Town Love is a partnership between Northern Development and entrepreneur Amy Quarry, who created and launched the original Small Town Love initiative in Quesnel.
Since 2011, independent Quesnel-based businesses have been working collaboratively under the Small Town Love marketing brand and new businesses are added to the program each year, confirming that Quarry’s original concept has been well received and highly successful.
- Greg Sabatino and Kathy McLean photos