CENTRAL KOOTENAY—Downtowns across the region have emptied, as communities work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. This sudden shift has been very disruptive for businesses. Physical distancing has forced closures. Supply chains are disrupted. Many businesses have laid-off staff.

Despite this, many businesses have found new, innovative ways to stay open. Some have developed delivery and pick-up services. Others have shifted to online sales. In a very short time, businesses have transformed how they do business. And in an effort to support these businesses, the Open for Business—Think Local First campaign has launched.

A partnership of local business service providers, tourism organizations, and local government are providing free posters for storefronts, and shareable images for online platforms. As these posters go up across the region, community members will recognize that while businesses may not be at normal operations, they are still Open for Business.

Nelson & Kootenay Lake Tourism are managing a list of all Central Kootenay businesses who are open in some capacity, visit nelsonkootenaylake.com/news for the list. To submit your business, email info@nelsonkootenaylake.com.

This campaign is an initiative of Community Futures Central Kootenay, the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, the City of Nelson, the Regional District Central Kootenay, the Kaslo & District Chamber of Commerce, the Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce, and Nelson & Kootenay Lake Tourism.