More and more British Columbians are joining a new movement across the province. Called the Ten Percent Shift, it’s a way everyone can help their local economy become strong and sustainable.

The Shift, as it’s now known, was started by CUPE BC president Barry O’Neil, who will be speaking at a lunch meeting on Thursday (October 18) at the Lions’ Hall on Highway 93/95 and all are welcome. Presented in partnership by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Invermere for Small Business Month, the presentation will cover how everyone can become part of the Shift to help out the local community.

What the Shift actually entails is pledging to dedicate at least ten percent of one’s consumer spending to locally manufactured or grown products, and to locally owned businesses that offer locally produced goods and services. This is based on the theory that for every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, only $43 stays in the community with the rest going out to corporate offices around the world; whereas by spending that $100 on a local business, $68 stays in the community, an increase of 25 per cent.

In addition to more money, communities stand to benefit from a ten per cent shift to local spending by way of less empty storefronts, more local jobs and a broader tax base that lends to improved local services for families.

O’Neil’s presentation will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday (October 18) at the Lion’s Hall at the Invermere Crossroads on Highway 93/95. The luncheon will be prepared by Anne Riches of Copper Point Golf Club and the cost for CVCOC members is $15, and $20 for non-members. To register, contact the CVCOC at 250-342-2844 or info@cvchamber.ca, and to learn more about the Shift, visit the website at www.tenpercentshift.ca.