100 Mile Free Press, Published: January 19, 2010 7:00 PM. Source: http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/100milefreepress/community/82123342.html

In late December, the Clinton and District Economic Development Society (CDEDC) learned it had been somewhat successful in its grant application from the Enterprising Non-Profits Program.

Members had applied for $10,000 but were approved for only $4,000. The grant will be used for a study to determine the feasibility of bringing a non-profit bargain outlet and co-op business to support youth and various volunteer and non-profit organizations in Clinton.

The bargain outlet and co-op would be largely modelled after the Summerland Penny Lane Bargain Outlet.

At its regular meeting of Jan. 6, CDEDC unanimously decided to forge ahead with the study. Society members will contribute volunteer hours or other in-kind goods to match the $4,000.

Most of the members at the meeting felt this type of outlet would be a great benefit to the community, bringing more people in from outlying areas to shop in Clinton as well as allowing people to "shop at home" more.

The Penny Lane Bargain Outlet in Summerland has been in operation since 2002, selling new goods (clothing, footwear, furniture, etc.) in two locations.

It has partnered with Sears Canada to create a bargain outlet to provide funding for youth activities, including job skills training.

Since 2002, the group has invested more than $1 million in youth activities and services in Summerland.

More information on the Penny Lane concept can be found on its website at www.summerland pennylane.ca.