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Mayor and Council take to the streets

District of Fort St. James community leaders will “Walk to Talk” during the 3rd Annual Business Walk Sept 15
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What do Fort St. James communication companies, service providers, restaurants, retailers and financial services have in common? They represent the types of businesses that will be visited by municipal leaders in the community during Fort St. James Third Annual Business Walk.

The program adds an enhanced level of communication as elected officials and representatives of organizations that serve the business community take the time to connect face to face with business operators in an informal, casual way and determine how conditions can be improved. The program is supported by the District of Fort St. James economic development program and is delivered in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.

Business walks have proven highly effective in strengthening local economies by retaining businesses in a community and creating an environment where they can grow. The September 15th walk will take place along Stuart Drive and approximately ten volunteer community leaders “walkers” will call on the businesses and have brief conversations around three key questions:

“How is business?

What do you like about doing business in your area? and

How can business be improved?”

Companies with specific needs will be followed up with, and provided one-on-one assistance. The information gathered during business walks can be used in many ways. Business walks track the pulse of the business community and is one tool used to identify needed programs and services to the community.

Civic leaders can better connect with businesses in their communities through the face-to-face conversation that is initiated, and identify and remove barriers to doing business in their areas. Member-driven organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce can tailor their services to the expressed needs of the businesses they serve.

Kelley Williams, Economic Development Officer for the District of Fort St. James, says “It is important that we recognize the positive impact small business has on a community and that we work to support them with the resources and training that small business require to be successful.

For questions or more information regarding the Business Walk please contact: Kelley Williams, edo@fortstjames.ca or 250-996-8233 ext. 21.

- press relese submitted by Kelley Williams Fort St. James Economic Development Officer

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Photo of Mayor Rob MacDougall and Deputy Corporate Officer Lina Gasser with a business owner on the 2016 Business Walk. Photo submitted