Business group encourages Islanders to continue supporting local

The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce is asking Islanders to shift 10 per cent of their annual spending to support locally owned and operated businesses during the next phase in the Love Local P.E.I. campaign.

Penny Walsh-McGuire, CEO of the chamber, said Islanders have been supportive of local businesses throughout the pandemic. The 10 per cent shift is designed to encourage that support to continue through 2021, she said.

"We say that a small shift can make a big difference. Looking at the economics, a 10 per cent shift to local would support 460 new jobs and contribute approximately $16 million in wages to Islanders. Local businesses recirculate about $45 of every 100 spent back into our Island economy."

The Love Local campaign began during the pandemic. The 10 per cent shift part of thecampaign features social media videos and contests.

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