Last month 10 local businesses responded to an expression of interest posted by the Canada Games. These businesses pitched their products or services, introduced themselves to the Games and have now been included on a preferred supplier list. They include: Bold Rush Inc., Goldpanner Giftshop, Hougen’s Sportslodge, Making Tracks, Men’s World, Northern Lights Candle Co., Shadow Lynx Artworks Inc., Summit Awards & Recognition, Terra Firma Art Company and The Essential Soap Bar.

The Games Host Society Merchandise Committee chair George Arcand is very happy to have so many local suppliers identified.

“All the local companies that submitted have been selected,” said Arcand. “It’s great to see that so many local businesses responded to our expression of interest, it gives us a good idea of what’s available in the community.”

Wondering how a preferred supplier list works? Now that there is a list in place the Merchandise Committee will check all their required purchases against this list. For example if they want to purchase candles they would first go to their list and see if any of the business produced and supplied candles. They would then call those businesses and get a quote on the kind and quantity of candles they wanted to purchase. In this case they would call the Northern Lights Candle Co. who is listed as a preferred supplier.

Being a preferred supplier does not guarantee business but it does identify that business to the Merchandise Committee. It also helps the Committee gain information about what products are available.

The Committee, with the help of the Merchandise Coordinator, stocks the Games store with goods for retail. They do not purchase office supplies or other Host Society operational needs. “The list we have now is really going to help with our purchasing but isn’t final,” said Arcand. “I know there are businesses who didn’t respond to our first expression of interest so we would like to make sure that everyone has the opportunity if they want to take advantage of it.”

The Host Society will have another opportunity for local businesses to submit information, most likely in June. If you would like more information about business opportunities with the Games give us a call at