For immediate release
12 July 2021 (Fredericton, NB) The City of Fredericton’s economic development community has launched the fourth phase of its #SupportFredLocal campaign. The campaign first began in April of 2020 in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19. It highlights the city’s local businesses while encouraging the public to get out and support local.
“The first three phases of the #SupportFredLocal campaign have been successful, thanks in large part to the collaboration of the region’s business support organizations,” said Andrew Lockhart, Economic Development Specialist with Ignite Fredericton. “With their continued support, we will keep the momentum going throughout the next phase, and ensure our local businesses receive the support they need through the complete recovery.”
The organizing committee challenged itself to find creative ways to ensure campaign dollars were invested into our local community.
“We really wanted to focus on our local talent for this campaign, so we are working with creators within the city to help us build content and share the stories of our businesses,” said Lockhart. “The objective of this campaign is to support local, so we are taking into consideration how these dollars can impact our community and putting our money where our heart is.”
#SupportFredLocal is a collaboration between the City of Fredericton, Fredericton Tourism, Ignite Fredericton, Business Fredericton North, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fredericton Inc. and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“The recovery and success of downtown and local businesses are key to building vibrant communities, strong local economies and a sustainable future. I am proud that the Government of Canada is supporting the continuing collaboration between Ignite Fredericton and other key business stakeholders to launch this most recent phase of the #SupportFredLocal campaign,” said Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
ACOA provided a non-repayable contribution of $67,400 through its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program to help Ignite Fredericton, along with other business support agencies, undertake activities to support a buy local campaign.
This phase of the campaign will run throughout July and August within the City of Fredericton and the organizing committee is asking members of the community to get out and “put your money where your heart is.” Individuals can participate in the campaign by sharing the stories of how they support local businesses by using the #supportfredlocal hashtag on social media.
“Even though we are starting to move into the green level of the province’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, our local businesses still need your support,” said Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers. “It has been a tough 16 months. This is a caring and engaged community. I have no doubt residents will continue to support local businesses and help grow our economy.”
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Media Contacts:
Paul CJ LeBlanc, Senior Communications Officer, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – paulcj.leblanc@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Shasta Stairs, Communications and Media Relations, City of Fredericton – Shasta.stairs@fredericton.ca
Andrew Lockhart, Economic Development Specialist, Ignite Fredericton – Andrew.lockhart@ignitefredericton.com
