Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in the Cariboo. We have many great entrepreneurs who have taken the initiative and have built very successful businesses within our community.
Small businesses in Williams Lake create jobs and drive our economy forward. That is why I support small businesses whenever I can as most of my favorite shops in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House are owned by locals. Shopping local and supporting small business is really is one of the best ways to keep your hard earned dollars right here in the community.
The Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce does great work fostering business development, and the 19th Annual Business Excellence Awards showcased some of the best businesses in our community. I would like to personally acknowledge all of the businesses that were nominated and the Business of the Year winner, Pioneer Log Homes.
These businesses are so successful because of the hard work and dedication of all of the employees and business owners providing good customer service and making good quality products. Our government supports this entrepreneurial spirit, and we are proud to have received an A grade from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in their annual Red Tape Report Card.
We received the highest grade in the country because of our government’s commitment to reduce red-tape and eliminate unnecessary regulations on small business owners.
Reducing red tape saves small businesses money because it means business owners spend less time filling out paperwork or conforming to unnecessary or outdated regulations, and more time to delivering better customer service and making their business more successful.
On one final note, I would like to send my congratulations to the Williams Lake Stampeders for winning the Coy Cup on Saturday night against the Terrace River Kings. Best of luck next season!
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.