Shop-local campaign underway

DAYTON–Local community organizations are making an effort to spur local shopping to support small businesses here and in Columbia County which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic business restrictions.

The "shop local" campaign, dubbed Big Hearts for Small Business, was launched May 4 with a daily theme to be promoted on social media. Encouragement to shop at local businesses includes a weekly drawing to win $50 in Dayton Dollars, with winner being drawn from participants who like, share or post a photo or comment about their local purchases. Dayton Dollars are a Chamber of Commerce scrip which can be spent at any Columbia County business.

"The success and survival of a community is reliant on the vitality and vibrancy of its local businesses," said Meagan Bailey, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Dayton, which with the Chamber and Port of Columbia's Executive Director Jennie Dickinson, partnered to develop the program. "Now more than ever, these businesses require our admiration, recognition and support."

Each day has a theme, such as Take-Out Tuesday or Fix It Friday, with a list of suggested businesses to shop that day. The City, Chamber and Port will share posts on its social-media sites each day.

The Chamber and Port had been promoting lists of local businesses with take-out options and their hours of operation.

"Columbia County businesses have so much to offer residents," said Chamber Manager Molly Weatherill-Tate. "There's really no need to leave town for purchases or services. From groceries and gas to restaurants and retail to hair salons and fitness centers, we've got it all."

Details about the campaign can be found at choosecolumbiacountywa.com and on the Chamber's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/DaytonChamberofCommerce.