The Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency has organized a Buy Local Business Fair for the Digby arena on July 27.
Business from all around the two counties will be getting together to raise awareness about each other’s products and services.
Dan Harvey says the early registration has been strong and he expects 50 to 100 businesses to set up booths at the rink to promote their businesses.
“I think people will be pleasantly surprised at the breadth of goods and the quality of products being produced right here in the local area.”
Harvey says the idea comes from the best practices of other development agencies.
“These fairs can be of a big benefit to the local businesses. They not only promote their business, but maybe they find other businesses to buy from or partner with.
“Especially in a rural area like this where people might not know what is hidden away here, it can be quite powerful when we get them all together. We hope it will develop better networking so businesses here can support each other better.”
Sean Raymond of Digby’s Tri Local Market has based his whole business plan on people supporting local producers.
“It’s a pretty rough economic climate but if we support the little local guy, there’s a better chance of that money circulating right here in the community.”
The fair runs from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and is both free for the businesses to set up their booths and for the general public to come and check out the local businesses.
Guest speaker Paul Emile Leblanc, CEO of the Caisse Populair de Clare, will address the conference to talk about his work with the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).
The North American-wide organization encourages consumers to shift their purchases from non-local businesses to locally owned, independent businesses.
