10 Per Cent Shift, by Judy Goodman
Have you been following the Ten Per Cent shift? The last two weeks I have talked about ways that we can support our local economy by simply shifting our existing expenditures. Spending within the community, buying locally made products, and supporting local services all count towards the shift. The shift doesn’t ask you to spend more – it just says if you change how you spend, you can make a real difference in your community.
When you need goods that are not manufactured in your community, you can still buy them at independently owned local businesses. An example is Keystone Fine Cabinetry where the owners, Michelle and Rob, make their living through design and install of custom cabinetry that is manufactured in Kelowna.
Locally produced food, often extends beyond a city’s limits. The most common application is the 100 mile, or 161 kilometre diet. Organic farm operations typically extend their marketing to surrounding communities. Eating locally grown food can also help you learn more about the natural environment around you.
Christy at Mountain Goodness says she frequently travels the farm circuit to acquire goods to sell at the store.
Talisman Fibre & Trading Company on Mackenzie is a wonderful example of a local product retailer. Janet offers Local wares from pottery, cards and hand woven items to barn wood frames, redesigned mirrors, sweaters and funky metal works.
Krista at Sangha Bean uses local café supplies, including Stoke Roasted Coffee, and offers local arts and crafts giftware.
Revelstoke’s heritage is built around forestry and the railroad. The natural abundance of timber affords us our second largest employer, Downie Timber. Downie contributes over 300 jobs to our community and offers a cedar sales program, open to contractors and the public.
Pre-ordered product that can be picked up on Fridays, they may not always have the exact cuts that you need each week but they will accommodate as best they can.
Take To Heart Contracting works with specialty wood products and custom order for small home projects including trim, windows and doors or complete home builds.
Lortap Custom Millwork and Kyle Buhler Custom Cabinetry also offer customized solutions, using local wood when possible.
The benefits of buying local products extends further than just economies and communities, it is smart for the environment too. Buying locally manufactured products means less transportation, lower energy and fuel costs, and less excessive packaging.
Finding locally produced goods is fun! Meeting the farmer, chef, craftsmen, musician or professional adds value to the goods. At Art First you will always meet one of the artists. It is a local co-op operated by 14 super talented artists and craftsman offering unique mediums and creative pieces. Grizzly Book & Serendipity Shop offers local authors like Frieda Livesy, Mieke Blommestein and Chic Sharp the opportunity to share their wisdom and stories with neighbours, friends and visitors. The most functional item I found was at Chantilly’s colourful pot scrubbers made by Deenie’s mom. The tastiest, and I am assured by Josee super healthy, food item was a Speed Ball at the Modern – OMG these rock!
Is there a product or service that you think Revelstoke needs? Let us know!
The new Chamber website will have a voting option that allows us to ask or membership and, if required, the community for their opinion on new ideas. Please share your successes and ideas with us. Call Judy at 250-837-5345.
Judy Goodman is the executive director of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce.