A trip to a recycling facility and a series of marketing workshops are two actions resulting from a business retention and expansion program.
Powell River Regional Economic Development Program (PRREDS) launched the business program last fall in partnership with Powell River Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Powell River.
As a result of some concerns raised by local businesses, PRREDS has arranged for a contingent of Powell River residents to make a trip to Gibsons this week to visit a business that now recycles glass as well as Styrofoam.
Gibsons Recycling began processing glass in April. Recyclables are crushed and screened to remove impurities. The resulting product is a glass aggregate of various sizes and colours.
Scott Randolph, PRREDS manager, said the organization put an invitation out to local businesses to visit the facility. As well, representatives from Powell River Regional District are going on the trip.
Through its business retention and expansion program, it became apparent there was an issue with dealing with commercial glass, Randolph said. Some businesses spend a considerable amount of money sending their glass out of town. “There are no facilities here to deal with it,” he said. “We’ve been trying to find a solution.
“We’re taking a look at their facility seeing whether we can hook up our businesses with them, but also looking to see whether we can do the same thing here, so we can find a lower-cost solution for our local businesses.”
Another action item flowing from the business retention and expansion program is a series of marketing workshops for about 40 businesses, starting in early June.
A number of business owners have said they needed help knowing how to promote themselves, Randolph said.
Community Futures helped secure a facilitator for the workshops, Randolph added. “We’re just in the process of identifying the times for June 3 and 4,” he said.
Pam Krompocker, Community Futures executive director, said the organization arranged funding for Bruce Lacroix, a small business consultant from Nelson, to facilitate the workshops. “This is an excellent opportunity to help small businesses in the community,” said Krompocker.
- with files from Coast Reporter
