Our membership has two categories:

1. VOTING MEMBERSHIP

To qualify for voting membership with Think Local First the following terms and conditions must be met:

• Status Business: The business (hereinafter called “business” or “businesses”) is registered with the BC corporate registry (sole proprietor, partnership or incorporated business) and may also have in addition to this a federal or interprovincial registration. The business must be (and remain) in good standing.
• Status Not-for Profit and Charities: Not-for-Profit and Charities (hereinafter called “organization” or “organizations”) The organization must either be accredited by the British Columbia Society’s Act or have a registered charitable number with Canada Revenue Agency. The organization must be (and remain) in good standing.
• Physical location: The business or organization is physically located and licensed to operate in any of the 13 municipalities located within the Greater Victoria Area (“GVA”) (between Sooke and Sidney) or from the GVA to the northern borders of Malahat South / Cobble Hill as referenced in the Elections Canada 2013 boundaries map hereinafter called “north Malahat South – Cobble Hill border”.
• Residency: For business fifty percent (50%) or greater of business ownership must live in the GVA or in a bedroom community located between the GVA and the north Malahat South – Cobble Hill border. For organizations the senior executive person and fifty percent (50%) or more of board members must live in the GVA or in a bedroom community located between the GVA and the north Malahat South – Cobble Hill border.
• Independence: The business or organization can make independent decisions related to location, purchasing, business practices, distribution, and marketing. The business name (corporate, legal, registered or dba) is not under national or international corporate ownership or control.
• Expenditure: The business or organization pays all its own expenses, including, but not limited to, rent and marketing expenses, without direct assistance from a corporate or other headquarters.
• Ethics: The business or organization must at all times:
  • Operate ethically and in a lawful manner.
  • Maintain business practices consistent with supporting our local community and economy.
  • Demonstrate high levels of customer service.
  • Refrain from any actions that could harm TLF’s reputation.

2. NON-VOTING MEMBERSHIP

To complement the voting membership and progress the mission of Think Local First, at the 2024 AGM TLF Members adapted a new category of membership called Local Champions.

Local Champions are businesses, organizations, and individuals that don’t fully meet the criteria for voting membership. A Local Champion must at minimum meet two or more of the following criteria:

• Demonstrate community involvement in GVA to the northern borders of Malahat South / Cobble Hill Demonstrate strong interest in supporting local GVA businesses to the northern borders of Malahat South / Cobble Hill.
• Agree to support awareness among consumers about the positive effects of choosing local.
• Agree to actively participate in TLF events and initiatives.

Local Champions membership incorporates:

• Initial applications are reviewed and approved by the majority of the Board of Directors using the voting membership criteria as a benchmark (weighting) for non-voting application.
• Upon approval the membership payment is to be pro-rated to the date April 30.
• Continuing membership to be reviewed annually and confirmed by the Board of Directors at the March board meeting.
• Annual Membership fee.
• High standards of personal and professional conduct, consistent with the ethics requirements of the voting membership.

Local Champions membership benefits include:

• TLF event sponsorship opportunities.
• TLF website listing.
• Attendance to all TLF general membership events (such as mixers, learning events, member breakfast, etc.).
• Access to the Board of Directors to promote and discuss initiatives or interests related to the mission of TLF.
• **Membership fees are non-refundable.

i https://www.elections.ca/map_02.aspx?lang=e&p=10_BC&t=/3Cit/Victoria&d=Victoria