In the fifth episode of The Public Circle Podcast, I connect with Donna Petrie, Executive Director and Event Liaison with the Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (BIA).
Donna has led the BIA for the past 5 years. Established in 2013, the BIA is now in the second year of its renewed 5-year mandate. It began through a concerted effort from local business owners. They felt that the Sidney core was suffering and lacking vibrancy.
So, they got together and laid the groundwork for a business improvement area. As Donna relates, the priority for the BIA is "to increase footsteps in Sidney."
With a background in tourism, primarily hotel marketing and management, Donna also is on the board of directors of the Greater Victoria Film Commission and has worked as a location scout.
Donna and I share a similar feeling about the potential of Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula. She calls it the "best untold story," and she works to position Sidney as a great place for locals and tourists alike.
View the whole story here.
