New BRAED initiative “One Less Trip” to support local shopping

A new initiative by the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) is designed to support local businesses and keep smaller communities surviving and thriving.

Killam Mayor and former BRAED Chair Bud James says, “The potential here is huge.”

The “One Less Trip” supports the region’s business owners, with BRAED’s 25 member communities across East Central Alberta.

“We all know that we must, from time to time, travel outside our region to shop. However, if we educate ourselves on what is available throughout the Flagstaff region we will likely be surprised at what is actually available.

Killam Mayor and former BRAED Chair Bud James says the ‘One Less Trip’ initiative is an exciting project for the BRAED business community.

“So if we make ‘One Less Trip,’ and commit to shop here when possible, just think what the positive results could be.”

BRAED Executive Director Margo Begin said participating businesses would be provided a tool kit of posters and window dressing to help promote the idea.

An upcoming media blitz is designed to let everyone know how the campaign is being rolled out.

“This will be a multi-year initiative with an official launch during Small Business Week,” said Begin.

“The promotion will be done throughout the region at events in participating communities.

“It’s to create awareness of the impact this could make,” she says, calling shopping at home more often “a small shift in spending habits.”

The support of local businesses also keeps the communities thriving as businesses support many local organizations and sports groups with sponsorships and door prizes.

“They are happy to do so but they also need support,” she says. “Local businesses contribute to the tax base.

“We want to change the thinking,” she adds.

“People might be surprised that the pricing and selection is competitive with the larger centres.”

Displays in local businesses will reinforce that thinking.

“We’re not saying ‘don’t go to Camrose or Edmonton again,” Begin stresses, “But if local businesses fail through lack of support, the communities lose their ability to attract people.

“Once they make the shift, we hope it will build.”

James says, “The ‘Shop in Flagstaff’ project from a few years ago was a good introduction to this concept.”