Business Of The Year Announced
This year’s Business of the Year nominations were submitted to a panel of judges from five different organizations, the results were unanimous with this year’s winner being Stamer Logging, second place going to Sweetnam’s and third place Quality Contracting. All three businesses are deserving of this honour as they are all very supportive of our community and donate to various events and organizations.
This year’s presentation for Business of the Year Awards will coincide with the Evening Magic night to be held on Nov. 14 at the Fall Fair Hall. Tickets will be available through the Barriere Chamber of Commerce, Armour Mountain Office Services and the Star/Journal starting Oct. 20. No tickets available at the door, cut off for ticket sales is Nov. 6.
This is Small Business Week, Oct. 18 - 24. Barriere has well over 100 small businesses operating in the valley. Over 70 of these businesses are Chamber members. These businesses range from home based businesses to restaurants, retail and trades people. If you are looking for something or need a particular service or trade, check our business directory on our website (www.barrierechamber.com) or call our office and we will help you find it.
Supporting or shopping local is very important to the economic survival of our community. If you don’t see something - ask - nine out of 10 times they have it, can get it, or direct you to someone who does.
If you are watching costs, ask for a quote and give them a chance to match prices. Most of the time the cost difference is a matter of pennies or a couple of dollars. Keep in mind every dollar spent here supports your community.
Shopping at small, local businesses can have a significant impact on the local economy. Businesses pay sales tax to the city where the business is located. When patrons make the choice to leave the area to do their shopping, they are supporting areas outside of their own. Large businesses also pay sales taxes to the local government.
The money paid to local governments by small, local businesses is used for many things, including the financing of roads, public schools, sidewalks and parks. In addition, those tax dollars help to fund additional public service workers. The money used to fund such activities comes from taxes, which are paid in part by small local businesses as sales tax revenue.
Aside from providing local job opportunities, small, local businesses support the area through their everyday needs. Small businesses open accounts at local banks, hire local CPAs and attorneys and when they need supplies they can step down the street to get them quickly. They also play a huge part in supporting the non-profit organizations as well as fund raisers for local youth sports, graduations, etc.
The Barriere and District Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting will be held Nov. 17, 6 p.m., at the Chamber office.