OUR HISTORY
Honouring our roots. Building our future.
Think Local First began with a group of local business owners and community leaders who believed Greater Victoria would be stronger when locally owned businesses worked together.
MAY 24, 2012
Where it all began.
On May 24, 2012, a group of like-minded community leaders and business owners came together around a common cause: reminding people of the many benefits of supporting locally owned businesses.
Online shopping was growing, big-box stores were expanding and independent businesses were facing new pressures. Rather than face those challenges alone, these leaders chose to work together for the economic, social and cultural benefit of their community.
With $1,000 in seed funding from the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the group launched Shop Local Victoria and began building a recognizable movement around the value of choosing local.
A shared belief in local
The founders believed local businesses could accomplish more through collaboration than they could alone.
“We can work together for the benefit of our local communities, culturally and economically.”
OUR FOUNDING COMMUNITY
Honouring the people who started the movement.
We are grateful to the business owners, volunteers, advocates and community partners whose vision and commitment brought the organization to life.
Founding Leaders
The founding group brought together independent business owners and community leaders who recognized the need for a united local-business movement.
Historical record in progress: Add the complete list of founding leaders here once the original records are confirmed.
Founding Businesses
The first participating businesses contributed the energy, relationships and grassroots support needed to turn the idea into a lasting organization.
Founding business list coming soon: Add each original business here as the historical record is completed.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Leadership through the years.
Think Local First has been strengthened by the presidents, directors, volunteers and staff members who have carried its mission forward.
Gayle Robinson
INAUGURAL PRESIDENT
2012 – 2017
Helped guide Think Local First through its early years, building public awareness, strengthening the organization, and championing the importance of supporting locally owned businesses.
Paul Hadfield
PAST PRESIDENT
2017 – 2019
Championed authentic local businesses, strengthened collaboration among independent entrepreneurs, and inspired Greater Victoria to support local through resilience, mentorship, and community-first leadership.
Steve Pearce
PAST PRESIDENT
2019 – 2023
Steered Think Local First through the challenges of the pandemic, championing local business resilience, economic recovery, and community support during an unprecedented time.
Mary Lou Newbold
PAST PRESIDENT
2023 – 2025
Expanded Think Local First’s reach through community campaigns, podcasts, and partnerships, inspiring residents and businesses alike to strengthen Greater Victoria by choosing local daily.
Beverly Carter
CURRENT PRESIDENT
2025 – PRESENT
Leads Think Local First into its next chapter with a focus on building momentum, enhancing member value, and strengthening the organization’s impact across Greater Victoria.
Additional past presidents and organizational leaders will be added as historical records are confirmed.
AN EVOLVING MOVEMENT
From “Shop Local” to “Think Local.”
As the movement grew, it became clear that supporting local was about much more than retail shopping. Service providers, tradespeople, professionals, restaurants, makers and community organizations all help create a strong local economy.
In 2013, Shop Local Victoria became Think Local First. The new name reflected a broader, more intentional idea: pause, consider the local choice and think about where your dollars, relationships and support can have the greatest community impact.
Thinking local is an intentional choice.
It means considering who provides a product or service, where our dollars go and what kind of community we want to build together.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Our roots continue to shape our future.
Every member who joins Think Local First becomes part of a story that began with local leaders choosing collaboration over competition. We honour their vision by continuing to build a connected, resilient and vibrant Greater Victoria.
