When the COVID-19 health pandemic became a reality in mid-March, the team at Panatch Group was preparing to launch sales of phase 2 of 50 Electronic Avenue in Port Moody.
But instead of focusing just on the 220 homes being to the community, company president Kush Panatch had to rally the troops to find new online ways to sell and new ways to benefit the community.
“In a matter of weeks, we had to move our sales program online – we created videos and virtual tours and implemented a live chat feature on our website toanswer prospective buyers’ questions in an instant,” said Panatch.
But there was more he wanted to do. He wanted to respond to the crisis in a meaningful way.
“Small businesses in Port Moody faced significant challenges trying to stay afloat amidst the pandemic,” he said. “Everyone knows that small businesses are the backbone of our provincial economy, accounting for 34 per cent of overall provincial GDP. Port Moody is no exception. And it’s these local retailers we wanted to support when we figured out a way to contribute positively to our community in wake of the pandemic.”
In June, the 50 Electronic Avenue team launched a campaign called “I Heart Port Moody.”
To begin the campaign, they worked alongside the women at local lifestyle clothing company, Port Moody and Co., to design buttons to showcase the “I Heart Port Moody” message. They also partnered with 10 local businesses to give each purchaser at 50 Electronic Avenue $1,000 in gift cards, $100 to each of these local businesses. These businesses include Taps and Tacos, Rocky Point Kayak, Rocky Point Ice Cream, Twin Sails Brewing, Vivio Flowers, Gabi & Jules, Yellow Dog Brewing, Pizzeria Spacca Napoli, Black Sugar Coffee, and Rosa’s Cucina. In addition, the team has been running a weekly contest through the Panatch Group Facebook and Instagram accounts to give gift cards to one of these businesses each week.
In all, nearly $100,000 has been pumped into these Port Moody business through the campaign’s gift cards.
“If you don’t have a button yet to show your Port Moody pride, I encourage you to visit our 50 Electronic Avenue presentation centre or one of the 10 small businesses we’re working with on this campaign,” Panatch said.
