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Chilliwack BIA best in the West for communication

Chilliwack's downtown BIA brings home a win in the Communication category from the British Columbia Best in the West Awards.

They were deemed the best in B.C. last week at getting the word out about Chilliwack’s vibrant downtown core.

Local BIA reps brought home the win in the Communication category on April 3 from the British Columbia (BIABC) Best in the West Awards luncheon held in Nanaimo.

They were honoured for their communication plan, which zeroes in on employing local newspapers, radio and TV as a vehicle for a pro-downtown marketing message. It also includes a member newsletter, a new business welcome package and the GETMOR Downtown Reward card, said Kathy Funk, executive director of Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA).

“Despite this difficult economy, our organization continues to develop innovative ways to improve the area, market our local businesses and communicate special events and new initiatives to the community,” she said.

They’ve wholly embraced social media and the online world. “Our office is able to share news, photos and videos quickly and effectively via our website, blog and many social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Flickr,” said BIA coordinator Desmond Devnich.

Chilliwack BIA was also a finalist in the ‘Public and Private Spaces: Clean and Beautiful’ and ‘Marketing, Promotions, and Special Events’ categories at the 2012 Best in the West Awards.

“It takes teamwork to win such a prestigious award,” noted BIA president Barb Kemp.

The BIABC Best in the West Awards recognizes the excellence of leadership in member organizations that champion strong, vibrant and successful downtowns, main streets, and commercial districts throughout British Columbia.



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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