Spotlighting how Thunder Bay businesses choose to do business locally.
#ChooseTBayFirst
What is #ChooseTBayFirst?
#ChooseTBayFirst is a community awareness campaign dedicated to educating consumers about the benefits of supporting local businesses. It highlights how spending money locally helps create and sustain jobs, strengthens the municipal tax base, and supports charities, sports teams, and cultural organizations. The campaign also celebrates businesses and individuals who actively choose to support Thunder Bay enterprises, fostering a stronger, healthier community for everyone.
Why should we #ChooseTBayFirst?
When we spend our money with #TBay businesses, we contribute to a network that returns our money to our community in ways that benefit all of us, making Thunder Bay a better place to live.
When we spend our money out of the community, it’s gone for good.
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Be part of the movement
Here’s how to spotlight your business
We’re profiling local businesses that keep Thunder Bay thriving and we’d love to feature you. Fill out the survey and help us tell your story and inspire others to #ChooseTBayFirst.
Together, we can make local stronger – one small action at a time.
Smart Modular Canada
"I choose TBay first because I am TBay, you are TBay, we are all TBay" - Micheal Davis, Smart Modular Canada
For over five years, Smart Modular Canada has been proudly building Canadian-made modular homes and commercial buildings right here in Thunder Bay. By sourcing materials from local suppliers, partnering with Thunder Bay businesses, and investing in the next generation through skilled trades programs in regional schools, they choose TBay first to support local, grow our community, and makes us stronger.
Open Mind Interiors
Designing better workplaces, right here in Thunder Bay.
Open-Mind Interiors chooses TBay First from day one because they are eager to prioritize local people, trades, and suppliers to build strong relationships and support the community they call home. It’s not just about design, it’s about investing in a place and its people.
To them, supporting local means building relationships, knowing that when the locals need support, they will be there to support.
Pinetree
Since 2013, Pinetree Catering has been creating a "taste of place" for Thunder Bay and they do it by choosing local first.
They work with over 25 Thunder Bay businesses to craft locally inspired menus, artisan breads, and unforgettable culinary experiences. You'll find their products in local grocers and at NOMAD, their café at the Thunder Bay Airport. Every product tells the story of this region.
"I Choose TBay First because it makes sense." - Nikos Mantis
CARSTAR
Half-Way Motors & CARSTAR has been repairing vehicles in this community since the late 60s.
From sourcing parts at local dealerships, to buying paint and supplies from AutoHome Paints, choosing Thunder Bay first is integral to their success.
Daniel Trevisanutto puts it simply: "Supporting local means investing in the community in as many ways as we can." When local businesses support each other, the money, opportunity, and impact stay here.
Supporting local business means supporting a stronger community.
Thunder Bay Hydraulics
Thunder Bay Hydraulics is built on 55 years of local talent, local partnerships, and local impact.
Since 1969, they've been servicing the industries that power Northwestern Ontario - mining, forestry, and manufacturing.
Choosing Thunder Bay First is how they operate:
- Buy supplies locally
- Hire local talent
- Partner with local high schools to train the next generation
- Support local teams, non-profits, and community initiatives
Jamie says "When you invest in your community, your community invests back. I choose Thunder Bay First because this is my community."
CEDC
Thunder Bay is built by people who show up, solve problems, and support each other. Our economy thrives when local businesses choose local.
Here's why it matters:
- For every $100 spent locally, up to $63 stays in Thunder Bay, circulating through jobs, services, and opportunities.
- Choosing local suppliers and partners strengthens our economy, brings supply chains closer to home, and creates space for more entrepreneurs to grow.
- Inclusive entrepreneurship means more people, from more backgrounds, can participate in and benefit from our shared success.
Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, says it best: "When we choose local, we build local and we build a more inclusive economy - together."
The next time you're making a business decision, look locally first.
Lowery's
Lowrys has been a Thunder Bay institution since 1905 and they'll tell you exactly why they're still here.
Four generations of local support turned a small business into a Thunder Bay staple with over 80 full-time staff. That's 80 families. 80 paycheques. 80 reasons why choosing local matters.
Shawn's message is simple: keep the money here and businesses survive. Let it leave and everyone loses.
In a world where everything is one click away, Choosing TBay First is a conscious decision and it's one that pays off for all of us.
Rose N Crantz
Rose N Crantz Roasting Co. started small in 2013. Grew through local hires, partnerships, and a community that showed up.
Jamie Nichols, Owner of Rose N Crantz says it best: "Choosing TBay first isn't a slogan - it's how we operate."
When you buy local, money stays here. Jobs stay here. Community thrives.