Hamilton Chamber of Commerce brings back “Hamilton Day” on Saturday, November 20 – A one-day celebration to support local

· by c.dambrosio@hamiltonchamber.ca

October 20, 2021 – HAMILTON, ON: On Saturday, November 20, 2021, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is bringing back Hamilton Day. The organization first held the event in 1931 during the depths of the Great Depression to boost spirits and the local economy. While it was only one day in an economic downturn that carried on for years, Hamilton Day was symbolic of a rallying spirit in the face of adversity.

90 years later, Hamilton Day will be a one-day celebration and opportunity for Hamiltonians to shop, dine, support and patronize local businesses.

“What once was a day to ‘Banish that tiresome word, depression’, this year we will set out to ‘Banish that tiresome word, pandemic’,” says Keanin Loomis, President & CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “Hamilton Day will inject much-needed dollars into our local economy and reignite community pride.”

The Chamber is inviting local independent businesses to participate in Hamilton Day – from small retail shops to cafes, restaurants, bars, theatres, independent artists and musicians, florists, gyms & fitness studios, personal services, board game venues – among others.

For patrons, take this opportunity to support their favourite local businesses – or be a tourist in your community and try a new restaurant or visit a new shop that has just opened up.

To share your participation in the campaign, both businesses and patrons can visit HamiltonDay.ca to download a marketing toolkit prepared by the Chamber. It includes posters, social media graphics and other interactive assets.

“With what has been one of the most difficult times for our business community, I am grateful to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for leading this initiative that champions Hamilton’s small businesses,” said Jason Thorne, General Manager of Planning and Economic Development at the City of Hamilton. “On Hamilton Day, I encourage community members to show some “Local Love” by supporting our local businesses and discover what makes our city the best place to live, work, play and shop.”

Hamilton Day is in partnership with the Stoney Creek & Flamborough Chambers of Commerce and Hamilton’s Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). The Chambers received funding through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Network.

Hamilton Day is not a ‘festival-style event’. As we continue to navigate COVID-19, supporting local through delivery and curbside pick-up are still feasible options. Patrons and businesses are reminded that if supporting local in person, please continue to follow operational restrictions such as maintaining distance between other patrons, wearing a mask, adhering to capacity limits, and having respect and patience for small business staff.

The Chamber selected the tail end of November for Hamilton Day with the hopes that it will change buying habits around the holiday season.

“Let’s not forget about our community’s small independent business owners who have proven to be resilient through the pandemic,” says Loomis. “On November 20th, show your favourite local spots some love.”

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HISTORY OF HAMILTON DAY:
Previously reported in the Hamilton Spectator in May 2021.

BACKGROUND OF SHOP LOCAL INVESTMENT:
Ontario Chamber Partners with Federal Government to Support Shop Local investment for Small Business