Shop Local Campaign Encourages Local Spending to Support Businesses

HALTON HILLS, ON – As Halton Hills continues to move through the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen, the Town is launching a new and expanded 'Shop Local' campaign in partnership with the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Georgetown Business Improvement Area and the Downtown Acton Business Improvement Area (BIA). This initiative is a key part of the Town’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan as it continues to support the local business community managing the impacts of COVID-19.

“Our local businesses have been hard hit by multiple waves of temporary shutdowns since the start of the pandemic,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. “There have been many challenges for our business community as they have done their part to help keep our community safe. It doesn’t take much for us to help with their recovery -- all we need to do is shop locally whenever possible.”

The new 'Shop Local' campaign is comprised of several initiatives designed to help raise awareness about the importance of shopping local and increase spending at local businesses. This includes:

• "Explore The Hills" Contest – a weekly scavenger hunt throughout the Town to find gift certificates placed in unique locations. Launching soon on visithaltonhills.ca.
• Print and Digital Ad Campaign – showcasing local businesses, in partnership with the BIAs and the Chamber of Commerce.

• Reusable 'Shop Local' tote bags and new window decals – to raise awareness about the importance of shopping local.
• Al Fresco in the Hills Patio Program – to continue to promote establishments with patios throughout Halton Hills.
• Social Media Campaign – to engage business-owners and residents about their favourite local businesses and to spotlight them.

A refreshed 'Shop Local' campaign was previously relaunched in August 2020. This year, with the economy reopening, a more comprehensive campaign will leverage digital media, advertising and contests to further amplify the benefits of shopping local.   

“Through close collaboration with our local business partners, including the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Acton BIA and the Downtown Georgetown BIA, we will create a lasting 'Shop Local' campaign that can be leveraged as the economy starts to recover,” said Damian Szybalski, Director of Economic Development, Innovation and Culture. “As a key part of the overall Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan, the 'Shop Local' initiative is another example of the Town continuing to take proactive, decisive and coordinated action to support our business community in response to COVID-19 impacts.”

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto.  The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

Visit the Town of Halton Hills website 

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