THUNDER BAY – Business – Social media can do many things. With the right strategy it can build your business. In Northwestern Ontario, there are tens of thousands of people online.

There are almost 70,000 Facebook accounts in Thunder Bay, 5820 in Sioux Lookout, 5980 in Dryden, and 9670 in Kenora. 

Social Media is massive in the North

In the north, Facebook is a massive resource for communications.

There are 900 Facebook accounts in Attawapiskat, 100 in Fort Severn, 1280 in Sandy Lake, and 2440 in Red Lake. 

It is important, especially for business to have a social media strategy, and also to realize that thousands of people can see and share something that is posted online.

Iconic Thunder Bay eatery McKellar Confectionary experienced the impact of a Social Media ‘storm’ when a posting was made on a restaurant review site. 

“Not happy at all. Decided to go for a bite to eat today (March 15, 2013) at about 2:30PM with my daughters (ages 7 and 9) along with their grandfather. My oldest is wheelchair bound and as I start bringing her in her chair up to the eating area I am informed by the elderly lady that is not allowed, and this was confirmed by the other woman behind the counter. I am still in shock that they would outright discriminate due to a physical disability, and to be such monsters as to do it to a 9 year old child who completely comprehends what they did simply because she is in a wheelchair! Its sad, especially to think of the many years I have supported the establishment”.

There are several comments on the posting, and there are people both supportive of the eatery and expressing concerns.

As the story unfolds, the facts are starting to come out. The complaints have made it off the restaurant review site, onto Facebook, and onto CBC news and other media in Thunder Bay.

Another post states, “I was there when this took place they were offered a table down by the door as they didn’t want these people dragging wheel chair up the steps with a child in it one guy walking with crutches remember we came into restaurant at the sme time also they didn’t have time to wait for an explanation as to why said they were going to Mcdonalds© and left they were offered twice to sit down on lower level once by older lady then by younger lady so please quit bad mouthing this business I have been going there for over 50 years and they have always treated me and my family well remember I was there when this happened it was for there own safety”.

As the facts came out, there is now confusion – confusion over what has been a long-standing Thunder Bay business for generations.

The potential damage has been done, now it is up to the company to ensure that its brand is repaired.

For companies, governments and politicians, there is a message – Social media and the Internet matter more now than ever before. Having a solid strategy for social media is as important as having an insurance policy for liability.

James Murray

Content and News Director