There was a flurry of media attention this winter, centred in Nova Scotia in particular, on the concept of a formal, government-sponsored "buy local" program.

The follow-up letters to the editors of local newspapers were, as far as we could tell, unanimously favourable to the idea. Many felt local farmers, some of whom are in trouble, would be the major benefactors. Others complained, with merit, that since no labelling program exists, it is often impossible to identify local products on the shelves.

You'll find no argument here. As "Canada's East Coast Magazine" we are well-labelled as local. Indeed, we exemplify the strong willingness of Atlantic Canadians to support their own. From you, our loyal readers, to the local magazine retailers who proffer prime placement on their newsstands, to the postal workers who deliver the magazines often within three days of mailing, we have received powerful local cheerleading at every step.

In 2004 we took a great big collective breath and launched the Saltscapes EXPO-a brand new consumer show the sole intent and purpose of which is to showcase the very best of Atlantic Canada, be it unique retail, art and crafts, real estate, home and cottage products, vacation and weekend getaway opportunities, local foods and wines, culture, music and what have you.

Atlantic Canadians have responded with equal enthusiasm to that concept. From the startup year in 2005 to last year's event, the show grew by about 60 per cent. More than that, while the average time spent at the average consumer show is about 90 minutes, our visitors typically stay more than four hours. It's still many weeks until the last weekend in April, but we can confidently project that the Saltscapes EXPO will grow by at least another 40 per cent in this, its third year. That means the third show will be more than twice the size of the first one.

Where the heaviest representation to date has (understandably) been from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, we are delighted this year to welcome some significant representation from PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador.

It has been our very clear experience that, given the opportunity, Atlantic Canadians will enthusiastically embrace and support local products and services. Perhaps governments should pay heed.

In the meantime, we hope to see all of you April 27, 28 & 29 at Exhibition Park in Halifax for the largest display anywhere of the very best this region has to offer.

~ Linda & Jim Gourlay
e-mail: gourlays@saltscapes.com

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