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#BuyBasin goes LIVE
By Erin Knutson
The Columbia Basin is a-LIVE with the #BuyBasin Festival as local businesses, entrepreneurs, and entertainers showcase the best of their products and services LIVE on social media.
“#BuyBasin takes place virtually on Facebook and Instagram to celebrate the opportunity to #BuyBasin and uncover unique and wonderful businesses that make their home in B.C.’s southeast,” said FestivalSeekers Social Media Manager Stevie Froese.
FestivalSeekers and the Columbia Basin Trust (The Trust) are currently hosting the virtual event, which boasts a lineup of 100 participants promoting themselves through LIVE video on Facebook with the help of social media experts.
“From now until Nov. 10, participants will be sharing expert tips, giveaways, demos, live music, and all kinds of behind-the-scenes fun. Each day also features a musical performance from an incredible local artist,” said Froese.
Feedback from participants has been positive. Business owners and entrepreneurs have shed their fears of the spotlight, putting themselves front and centre on a LIVE feed to bring exposure to their goods and services, up sales, and master technology to venture forth from traditional advertising methods.
A diversity of organizations has joined the #BuyBasin movement.
“We are different for #BuyBasin, we’re a not-for-profit society, and we’re not selling anything, but we’re promoting our location and services here in Cranbrook,” said Rocky Mountain Metis Association Community Navigator Chelsey Magee (right).
Magee, who underwent individualized training with a social media coach for the festival, feels more confident about going LIVE (Nov. 2,) praising the efforts of The Trust and FestivalSeekers.
“We have a lot of programs and services, and I want people to know that they can come to us at the Ground Floor Coworking Space location in Cranbrook. I’m here to help and offer assistance with citizenship applications, genealogy, or any other programs or applications,” she said.
Entertainers have also enjoyed the spotlight during the festival, and the opportunity to get paid for their performances, something local pop/rock musician Maddison Keiver or Maddisun doesn’t take for granted.
Maddisun (pictured right) released her debut album ‘Self-Reflections’ in 2020 and has been going strong despite the unique challenges artists have faced over the pandemic.
“This is my second time in with #BuyBasin, and it’s awesome that we get paid to LIVE stream – it was a great opportunity to connect with audiences, and it’s integral to the music industry,” she said.
The musician and freelance marketer praised CBT for supporting local artists through the festival.
“We get that exposure and a crash business course on social media that has helped grow our audience, locally and in Europe – it was also a lot of fun,” she said.
Local entrepreneurs are amongst the innovative demonstrators going LIVE with #BuyBasin, including Jen’s Body Balm created by Jennifer Pierre (lead image above) and her husband, ʔaq̓am Chief Joe Pierre from the Ktunaxa Nation.
“My husband and I have developed our product, a natural 100% organic body balm made with CBD from hemp, it’s been very successful so far, and thanks to networking with the #BuyBasin Program, it has expanded in the East Kootenay,” said Pierre.
The dedicated organics body balm specialist began a journey when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over two decades ago and took it upon herself to treat her debilitating condition holistically and in part with cannabis.
Through research and self-care, Pierre is excited to bring her knowledge and expertise with her body balm line to help heal others.
Pierre is also a certified cannabis retailer specialist holding a certificate from the College of the Rockies.
“It gives me joy to be able to contribute and help other people with my own two hands,” she said.
Pierre hopes to build on the momentum the #BuyBasin opportunity has created for her and other businesses in the Ktunaxa community.
“It was exciting and filled with possibilities – it was excellent. I also participated last spring, and I have a lot more follower likes on Facebook. I would highly recommend it – it’s boosted sales and generated more interest, it was easy and simple, and the FestivalSeekers team was positive and enthusiastic,” she said.
The #BuyBasinFestival runs from Oct. 18 to Nov. 10.
Daily performances LIVE on social media from Columbia Basin bands and artists will be showcased throughout the #BuyBasin Festival.
Among the performers going LIVE will be The Parsons on Facebook on Nov. 4.
Viewers will be able to connect to each business or performer’s Facebook or Instagram page directly from the lineup for LIVE viewing.
If attendees miss a LIVE video, they can catch up using the lineup and even score some fantastic local deals and giveaways.
Every time you share a video from the #BuyBasinFestival to your Facebook page or Instagram story, you’re entered to win $50 to spend at your favourite local business.
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