Written By Dan Kiekens, Chair, Downtown Strathroy BIA
One of the things I appreciate most about Strathroy is how readily people here show up; for local businesses, and for each other. We saw plenty of that this year through our LoveLocal2Win contest, run by the Downtown Strathroy BIA in partnership with Libro Credit Union.
The idea was simple. Over six weeks, residents shopped downtown, visited participating businesses, and submitted their receipts and reviews. The turnout was better than we’d hoped: more than 2,900 entries, and thousands of dollars awarded to shoppers and businesses alike.
The prizes were a nice draw, but they weren’t the point. What stuck with me was hearing why people took part. They found businesses they’d never walked into, went back to old favourites, and made a real point of spending their money close to home. That’s the whole reason we launched the campaign, and watching the community run with it was something to see.
On behalf of the BIA, thank you to every business that took part, to our partners, and to everyone who entered. That support is what keeps our downtown going, alongside the business owners who invest their time, energy, and resources into it every day.
We’re not stopping there. Last summer, a lot of you watched muralist Bacon Vizsla turn the side of the Cohen Highly building at 39 Front Street West into an Eastern Bluebird mural. It’s become one of the most recognizable spots downtown, and highlights the story of the Eastern Bluebird’s recovery in Ontario.
We’re now working on a second mural for downtown Strathroy. I’ll have more to share soon — including who’s painting it, and when you can come down and watch it take shape.
Thanks, as always, for backing our businesses, our downtown, and the community we’re proud to call home.
