Chilliwack –It is a concept that has worked for the past three years in Abbotsford, so the concept is not new. For Chilliwack businesses, it is a step to regenerate downtown interest.
The Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) in partnership with the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) are hosting the first Chilliwack Business Walks on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. The partners have teamed up with City of Chilliwack officials and local business service providers to connect with the business community.
The Business Walks program was first launched by the Metro Chamber of Sacramento, California in 2010. It has since grown across North America, and now includes communities throughout British Columbia.
Abbotsford started this in 2014.
A ‘Business Walk’ is a day dedicated to learning more about local businesses through short face-to-face interviews at their place of business. Volunteer teams of local leaders and community stakeholders will be going door to door visiting a large number of businesses to strengthen relationships and gather knowledge that fosters a stronger business climate.
This year, Business Walks will focus on the wide range of businesses in downtown Chilliwack, including the areas around Five Corners, Yale Road and Young Road towards Railway Avenue, and as many surrounding roads as possible. The objective is to conduct future Business Walks in different areas of the community.
Owners or managers at each visited business will be invited to answer a few short questions about their business. The data collected may then be used to develop programs, services and support for the Chilliwack business community. All information will be kept strictly confidential, with all reporting done in a consolidated format.
“We are pleased to have the first Chilliwack Business Walks happen downtown,” said Kyle Williams, BIA Executive Director. “The information gathered will provide a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with operating a business in Chilliwack.”
Business owners and managers in the selected Business Walks area are encouraged to be at their business on the afternoon of October 18th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm to ensure they have a chance to participate.
Media has been asked to keep their distance as these walk and talks are information gathering sessions as well and CEPCO along with the City and the BIA want to emphasize the confidentiality of those conversations.
