NEWS RELEASE
DOWNTOWN ORILLIA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ARENA
*************************
The Downtown Orillia Business Improvement Area (DOBIA) is excited to announce the launch of a new support local business initiative as part of the nationwide movement: Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local. This campaign encourages our community to embrace a local-first mindset and recognize the importance of supporting the local business community that serves as the economic and cultural heartbeat of Orillia.
Local businesses are more than just places to shop, they are driving job creation, sustaining entrepreneurs, and fostering economic growth. Every dollar spent at a locally owned business fuels community investment, helps attract other businesses, strengthens local initiatives, and ensures that unique small businesses continue to thrive despite economic challenges.
"This campaign helps highlight the community of incredible small businesses that we have in Downtown Orillia. Our community is built upon entrepreneurs that excel in their respective niches and share their passion with the world,” said Doug Cooper, chair of the DOBIA board.
“Downtown Orillia is a truly special place and by using toolkits like this one, it helps bring us all together and consolidate our efforts. There are big stores all across the country and they serve their purpose, but there aren't beautiful downtowns like ours every 100 km and that's an important thing to celebrate."
To support this initiative, the DOBIA is providing a toolkit to local businesses and stakeholders originally created by the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA). This toolkit includes campaign logos, social media assets, marketing materials, and guidelines to help spread the message and engage customers in this movement.
We encourage residents, visitors, and business owners to take part in this campaign to support local businesses by:
- Updating your social media profiles to include the Shop Main Street Canada, Support Local logo
- Using hashtags such as #shopmainstreet #shoporillia on social media posts
- Sharing social media posts of local small businesses and organizations
- Buying products and services from local small businesses
- Dining at independently owned restaurants and cafés
- Choosing Canadian-made products and services where possible
- Connect with the DOBIA at [email protected] to learn more
The DOBIA remains committed to advocating for the success of local small businesses and strengthening our local economy. Together, we can make a lasting impact by supporting the local businesses that support us. Join the movement. Shop Main Street Canada, Support Local and invest in local and Canadian businesses.
*************************