HUMBOLDT 鈥� With a grant from the federal government, the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce will be producing videos to encourage people to shop locally.
The local chamber will receive $43,000.
鈥淚 just think that it really is a feather in the cap of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce that this money is coming to us,鈥� said Brent Fitzpatrick, the chamber鈥檚 executive director.
鈥淚t gives the chamber this unparalleled ability to create videos and online marketing in support of all of our members throughout the region.鈥�
The chamber has purchased commercial-grade video equipment and will be producing around two dozen videos over the rest of the year.
Fitzpatrick said the first set of videos will be shop local clips that showcase the energy and the excitement within the region, the second set will focus on people and on business owners that have made an impact, and the final set will focus on economic development and promoting the region to others.
鈥淭here's a lot of resources, there's a great industrial footprint already in our region and this will just help us build on that.鈥�
The aim is to have the videos around 60 seconds long to make them easier to share on online platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The chamber鈥檚 website will also be updated and the chamber plans to enhance and promote its YouTube presence.
Having its own video equipment will mean the chamber has the ability to update the videos as needed.
Nationally, the federal government is providing $33 million to provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to support awareness-building campaigns that promote consumer confidence and local businesses. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 share is up to $1.16 million.
Jim Carr, the federal cabinet鈥檚 special representative for the Prairies, said the program, which aims to help businesses in recovering after the pandemic, will look different in each region to respond to local needs.
鈥淎s our economy begins to safely reopen, these investments will encourage Canadians to support their local small businesses, helping them recover quicker,鈥� he said. 鈥淏y partnering with chambers of commerce, we can reach more businesses to stimulate local economies, create jobs and improve the quality of life for people in the Prairies and across Canada.鈥�
