Page 3 - Shop Local 2020

JULY 2020 • SHOP WESTMAN • THE BRANDON SUN 3
Shop Local Westman contest launches

BY COLIN SLARK The entry form will be featured throughout the course of a year, “They’re spending their mon- nesses haven’t just been affected
in this section, in The Brandon now more than ever!” ey on real estate here, a new vehi- by the downturn in business due
A new local initiative is en- Sun throughout the duration of New Brandon Chamber of cle purchase here and at restau- to COVID-19 — their inability to
couraging Westmanites to shop the contest, and on our website. Commerce president Spencer rants here and the list goes on qualify for some of the support
locally in the wake of the eco- All correct entries will have a Day called the partnership be- and on,” Day said. “When we’re programs the provincial and
nomic damage wrought by chance to win cash and a col- tween the organizations a “nat- not smart about our purchases, federal governments have been
COVID-19. lection of gift certificates and ural fit.” especially at a time like this, a lot offering is also a problem. More
The Brandon Chamber of services provided by each par- “It’s so important right now of profits can be leaving Manito- than just helping out business
Commerce, the Brandon Down- ticipating business. There will be our local community, our busi- ba and even the country.” owners, supporting local busi-
town Development Corporation five random draws made in total nesses, The Brandon Sun, come And statistics back up that as- nesses is helping preserve the
and the Brandon Sun have come with the grand prize (first draw) together right now because sertion, says Elisabeth Saftiuk of fabric of the community.
together to create a guide featur- receiving $500 in cash. The a large portion of our busi- the Brandon Downtown Devel- “Small, independently-owned
ing local businesses and explain- deadline to enter is July 27th. ness community has just gone opment Corporation. businesses are part of what
ing what they do and why they According to representatives through the most difficult pe- “For every million dollars in makes downtown unique,” she
deserve your business. of all three organizations, the in- riod in the history of their re- sales, independent retail stores said. “Anything we can do as
On July 16th, the Shop Local spiration for this initiative came spective businesses,” Day said. generate about $450,000 in lo- an organization to support the
Westman insert in the paper will from a desire to help out local- “The more money we can keep cal economic activity compared downtown business community
feature all that as well as a con- ly-owned businesses that have circulating here in Brandon, the to just $150,000 for chains,” she is, I believe, incredibly import-
test where savvy readers can win experienced problems due to faster we’re going to get to a new said. “If consumers were to shift ant.”
cash or a gift certificate from a supply issues and closures due normal.” just a portion of their activity When the time comes, get
participating business. to COVID-19. When you shop locally, that to local businesses, the impact your magnifying glass out to find
Readers of the Westman’s “As the local paper and a di- money is more likely to be spent in our local economy would the hidden letters and win one of
Shop Local Guide will find hid- rect link to businesses in the by the business owners and em- be absolutely significant. Local the fabulous prizes up for grabs
den letters in ads throughout the Westman region, we can’t stress ployees at other local business- businesses also produce more as you shop locally.
section. Once the letters have enough the need for individu- es he said, creating a knock-on jobs per square foot than multi- “I think the prize portion is
been found, unscramble them als to shop local whether it be effect that keeps benefitting the national corporations and local a great incentive to get readers
to complete a three-word phrase on-line or in-person,” Brandon local economy. Day praised lo- businesses also spend more of and buyers to get engaged with
(22 letters in total). Entries with Sun publisher Jim Mihaly said. cal businesses for their creative the money they earn on local the program and really support
the correct phrase can be sub- “At times we take our local busi- thinking and collaborative spirit products and businesses when it,” Day said.
mitted in person via a draw box nesses for granted thinking they when it came to keeping their compared to multinational
at the Brandon Sun offices or will always be there when need- businesses open during such a chains.” » cslark@brandonsun.com
online. ed. Well, they need your support difficult time. Saftiuk said many local busi- » Twitter: @ColinSlark

Shop our gorgeous selection

of promise, engagement and

anniversary rings!

Locally owned, independent jewellery store since 1882 We carry sterling silver chains & jewellery, gold & diamond
earrings, pendants, & beautiful colored gemstones & pearls!
Exclusive supplier for ASTRA jewellery.

$1299 $2249 $599 $649 N

DID YOU KNOW:
We will be celebrating 138 years of business in Brandon in August!

Reesor’s has been in the Duffield family since the 70s and the tradition of quality products and service continues.
Owner Jaye Duffield is Brandon’s only GIA certified Graduate Gemologist.

Assistant Manager Cheryl DeBeer has GIA certification in Diamond & Pearl Grading, & is a Certified Canadian Jeweller.

Kristen Liske is a CJA certified Canadian Jeweller.

Located in the Shoppers Mall (1570-18th Street) Brandon | 204.726.9100 | www.reesors.com