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Shop Local North launches in Kapuskasing

It's aimed to help northern businesses increase visibility, relaunch in different market

NEWS RELEASE
CAISSE ALLIANCE
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Model Distribution is proud to announce the official launch of an initiative aimed at stimulating the economy in Northern Ontario during this period of economic recovery. The ceremony took place at Caisse Alliance, Kapuskasing Branch, in the presence of distinguished guests, all while respecting the social distancing guidelines. 

A newly developed e-commerce platform will bring together Northern businesses from different sectors, and will subsequently help local businesses increase their visibility and relaunch their businesses in a completely different market. As a result, consumers will have a variety of local products and services nearby and will be able to get them quickly and securely. 

The Shop Local North project originated in Kapuskasing, with the goal of enabling businesses in the North to generate online sales as well as generate profits during this recovery period. With this new tool, companies will be able to forge an even more prosperous, dynamic and sustainable future, says Mr. Andy Deschamps, the creator of the project, and the owner of Model Distribution. “E commerce is growing in popularity, now more than ever. Our small and medium-sized businesses in the region are not spared from this, yet they have a wealth of products in stock.” 

Mr. Deschamps began this long-term project a few months before the COVID-19 pan- demic. “When we saw the need in the spring, the design process had to be sped up. Connexions were forged and partnerships have been created. The demand is there, he says. The site has not yet launched and here were already over 20 member companies with more than 2,000 products in stock. Thanks to the support of our partners, the pros- perous wave will arrive well before the possible second pandemic wave in Northern Ontario.” 

The official partners, including Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO), Caisse Alliance and the Kapuskasing and District Chamber of Commerce were not the only ones to have been involved in this daring project; community partners are continuously added. 

“As the leader in the economic development of Ontario’s Francophone and bilingual communities, our approach is to bring together all of our partner organizations and all of the economic players so that each of them can make their rightful contribution. The SEO is committed to providing entrepreneurial support as well as leveraging its caissealliance.com economic network to maximize the impact of the project results through awareness and partnerships in our communities. At SEO, we believe in the value of collaboration. It is important to share your ideas and to engage various organizations and partners to make projects or businesses a reality," says Mélanie Breton, Economic Development Officer. 

From the first discussions relating to the project, a wave of enthusiasm arose at Caisse Alliance. “In an effort to support our corporate members during this recovery period, students will be hired to provide resources and tools to these members. Shop Local North is just one of those perfect and essential tools for many. In addition, business members of Caisse Alliance who will join this cooperative project by advertising their products and services will benefit from a discount," announces Pierre Dorval, President & Chief Executive Officer of Caisse Alliance. "This initiative fits well with our cooperative values and our business orientations; it will also allow our small and medium-sized businesses to attract new customers. Many thanks to the team, the partners, and all the participating companies for your cooperative spirit, as well as to consumers who choose to buy local.” 

The Kapuskasing & District Chamber of Commerce will also offer their members a discount on their annual subscription to Shop Local North, to encourage participation. According Mr. Marc Raymond, President of the Kapuskasing and District Chamber of Commerce, companies have already expressed their appreciation for this new and easy-to-use platform. “The Chamber of Commerce works for its members and pro- vides them with many opportunities to interact with the business community, says M. Dorval. We note that many companies face the same challenges on a regional scale and recognize the importance of joining forces to strengthen our business community.” 

Stay connected; various offers will be announced. By July 31, 2020, Shop Local North and Caisse Alliance are giving you the chance to win one of five e-gift cards worth $100 each, redeemable at Shop Local North. For each purchase, your name will be added to the draw. Visit www.shoplocalnorth.com or follow us on our Facebook page.

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