VANDERHOOF, BC, June 1, 2011 /CNW/ - Today it was announced that Burrard Market Square in Vanderhoof, BC has been recognized in the Employment Category of the Scotiabank and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Small Business Big Impact Challenge.

"Congratulations to the owners of Burrard Market Square, Nechako Markets Development Society, for winning in the Employment Category of the Challenge," said David Wilton, Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. "Burrard Market Square is really many small businesses within a small business, bringing together a multitude of employees, products, and customers under one innovative roof. This business beat out more than 100 entries in the Employment Category because of their creative approach to driving employment for small business owners and entrepreneurs to Vanderhoof."

Burrard Market Square is a year-round retail venue that houses a variety of products from more than 15 local vendors and entrepreneurs in Vanderhoof, BC. Customers can purchase anything from antiques, clothing, and jewelry to chocolates, candles and horse riding tack apparel. Burrard Market Square is a company which encourages customers to support local businesses by buying locally.

"Burrard Market Square is effectively a business that supports and promotes the success of other businesses, so its positive impact is multiplied many times over," said CFIB president Catherine Swift.

"We are very excited about our win in the Employment Category! Thank you Scotiabank and CFIB," said Mark Winston, Burrard Market Square. "We are proud to be part of a buy-local movement and the exposure and awareness our local businesses can gain from this kind of honour is invaluable."

The Small Business Big Impact Challenge invited nominations of local small businesses across Canada that could demonstrate that their business made a difference in the community where they live and work in one of the following three categories:

• Providing Employment: Implementing employment practices that reflect and support community needs as well as employment opportunities.
• Offering Products or Services: Creating new industries or ways of doing business, or offering unique products or services that benefit their community.
• Demonstrating Leadership: Taking a leadership role in initiatives for their community that ultimately makes it a better place to live and work.

The Challenge attracted more than 1200 small business entrants from across Canada, 201 of which were from British Columbia. The list was recently narrowed down to 15 finalists. One winner has been selected in each of three categories: Employment, Products or Services, and Leadership.

About the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by Entrepreneurs™. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 108,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy. www.cfib-fcei.ca.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $571 billion (as at April 30, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.