Endorsement from Dallas Gislason

Here's an endorsement from Dallas Gislason and a description of who he is:

“On average, shopping at a non-locally owned business keeps only about $43 out of every $100 circulating in the local economy. Spending that $100 at a locally owned business can keep upwards of $73 in the local economy. This highlights the significance of supporting local entrepreneurs, innovators, and suppliers. Many communities take this to another level by creating local forms of currency. These currencies circulate locally and keep circulating inside the local economy without leaking out like regular money does. Regular money is still needed to buy things not produced locally, but innovative currency initiatives—like the Tetla Tsetsuwatil—should be encouraged, especially as the world adjusts to the post-Great Recession era.”

Dallas Gislason

Economic Development Officer

Greater Victoria Development Agency

GVDA -- the organization Mr. Gislason works for -- is a part of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and is supported by quite a few major institutions in Victoria. The GVDA Board membership -- listed below -- shows this.

A committee of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) Board, the GVDA Board is comprised of representatives from the following industry groups and associations:

• Camosun College
• Downtown Victoria Business Assoc.
• Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
• Greater Victoria Real Estate Board
• Tourism Victoria
• Industry Representative – Craig Norris
• Industry Representative – Bob Pearce
• Industry Representative – Michael Weston
• Royal Roads University
• Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• Westshore Chamber of Commerce
• University of Victoria
• VIATeC
• Victoria Airport Authority
• GVDA Chair
• CEO – Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (ex officio)