Contributed by Heather Gallagher, manager of the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce.
The inaugural Business Walk event will take place in Smithers and Telkwa on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Business Walk aims to take the pulse of local business by conducting short face-to-face interviews with business owners and managers.
Volunteer teams (composed of business leaders, local and provincial government, and business support service providers) will be going door to door asking owners or managers a couple of simple questions about the state of their business. Businesses that need assistance will receive follow up visits and will be provided one-on-one support.
The Business Walk program involves a partnership facilitated by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (JTST) and the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce. Other service providers that will make up the teams include representatives from WorkBc; Nadina Community Futures; the Bulkley Valley Economic Development Office; NWCC.
Telkwa Mayor Darcy Repen and Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach will join in the Walk along with Councillor Phil Brienesse. The Business Walk program is recognized as an economic development best practice by the provincial government. Gathering community and business information is a key ingredient to foster the area’s economic growth and expansion potential.
Business owners and managers are encouraged to be at their business on Oct. 21 from 1 to 4 when the teams will put their Feet to the Street to discuss issues with you during the Walk. By taking the time to answer just a few questions, you will be providing valuable information that area support agencies can use to develop programs and services that will better support our small businesses.
For questions or more information, or if you’d like to be on a team, please contact: Heather Gallagher, Manager of the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce, 250-847-5072 or heather@smitherschamber.com.