Colby McClelland is proud of the city’s efforts to promote local business.

“I feel we could build a stronger relationship with our local businesses and through Shop Humboldt First I feel we can do that,” said McClelland, Humboldt’s former community development coordinator.

The program shores up a disconnect between City Hall and the business community, he said.

It’s a social media marketing campaign in which local businesses combine under one brand. That makes it easier for new businesses to promote themselves, for example.

“It’s a good start, for sure. Obviously I wanted it to have a bit more of an impact, but things like this take time,” McClelland said.

Saskatoon, just over an hour away, has malls and Costco and more services, “but it’s always good to choose local first and shop here first because you never know what we might have.”