Langley Township – One walk, four days, 60 team members, 170 businesses, and a whole lot of conversation and information.
The Township of Langley’s 2019 Business Walk was a significant success, as teams of Township of Langley Council members and staff, stakeholders, and students connected with business owners and lead staff in northwest Langley, Walnut Grove, and Willoughby to learn about the business climate from the retail and commercial community.
The Township of Langley partnered with the Walnut Grove Willoughby Business Association to hold the Walk, and teams featured volunteers from 15 stakeholder organizations, including the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.
As part of October’s Small Business Month in BC, 19 teams stepped out into the community between October 15 to 18 to listen, learn, and strengthen relationships.
“We are so grateful to each business that welcomed us in. Owners shared that there’s something uniquely special and advantageous about operating a business in the Township of Langley,” said Val Gafka, the Township’s Senior Manager of Economic Investment and Development. “Our Business Walk could not have happened without our stakeholder participants. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to join us out in the community.”
It is not too late for other businesses in the Township to get involved. An online survey that poses the same four questions asked by the Walk teams in person is open to businesses throughout the municipality until Friday, November 8. Owners are encouraged to visit invest.tol.ca/businesswalk to complete the simple and straightforward survey.
Also participating in the Business Walk were Grade 10 students from Walnut Grove Secondary School’s Career Life Education course.
“As students and young consumers in the community in which our Walk was held, they had the opportunity to wear a different hat and see local businesses through the eyes of owners and lead staff,” Gafka said. “They heard about the many successes and opportunities of owning a business, and equally about the challenges. With over 90% of businesses in BC considered small businesses, there is a high probability that students who remain in BC will either work for or own a small business in the future.”
“The students’ professionalism was second to none,” she added. “It was a real, hands-on experience that resulted in a beneficial collaboration for all.”
Once the online survey closes after November 8, all Business Walk data will be compiled and analyzed for future reporting to Township Council, and a separate summary will be shared with stakeholder organizations that participated in the Walk.
For more information, contact Township of Langley Senior Manager of Economic Investment and Development Val Gafka at 604.532.7305 or vgafka@tol.ca.
