Slowly but surely, we are getting closer to some summer weather and with that warmer and hopefully drier conditions, many of the communities within our district will return to normal after the flooding and high-water levels that have been experienced. To all the neighbours, volunteers, municipal staff and emergency personnel that have worked with homeowners and businesses throughout our area to minimize the flood water destruction, thank you for everything that you have done, and the time spent assisting.
As we return to some semblance of normalcy with the water levels decreasing, this year is one of those years that our local businesses that were affected, need our help more than ever. Over the years, shop local and stay local campaigns have urged residents of our communities to do just that. With many news stories documenting the flood conditions within our region, it has been a slower spring than normal for many of our seasonal businesses and that perception extends far and wide. The Chamber office has fielded dozens of calls from potential out of town visitors in the past week, inquiring as to travelling to this area. When possible, make sure you check out the local market and see what is available.
North Bay, Clean Green and Beautiful campaign is in full bloom and it has been amazing to see the community of North Bay come together and support this initiative. All over the City we are seeing individuals, businesses, community groups and neighbourhoods coming together and showing civic pride by taking ownership and helping in the effort to clean up and beautify our community. Driving around our city and seeing many of the trash bags used for the campaign full and on the side of the road prior to pick up, means the message is getting out. No effort is too small, and it is great to see this type of engagement by people of all ages.
June is shaping up to be a busy month with preparations well underway for both Armed Forces Day on June 12th followed by the inaugural “Bay Days” community festival June 14th to 16th. Both events provide another venue for our region to celebrate and with the case of Armed Forces Day, thank the members of the military and their families for all they do. If you have never been down to the waterfront for Armed Forces Day, make sure you check it out. The confirmation of the Snowbirds, Skyhawks and F-18 demonstration teams for the day long event, should be reason enough to come on downtown and to the waterfront on the 12th and return on the weekend for Bay Days. Hope to see everyone come out and support these two great events.
Peter Chirico is the President & CEO of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce.
0 Comments