Premier Christy Clark returned to Agassiz Wednesday morning, to tour two local businesses and introduce her by-election candidate, Laurie Throness.
A Liberal entourage stopped in at Farm House Natural Cheeses on McCallum Road in Agassiz, where owner Debra Amrein Boyes offered a sampling of different handmade artisan cheeses, including her Alpine Gold a washed-curd, washed-rind cheese.
Clark and Throness were joined by Chilliwack MLA John Les for the tour, which included a visit to Rimex.
Workers had a chance to chat with the trio, and spoke of the need to have training facilities in the area to open opportunities. Clark has traveled to the area twice this year for business-related tours with Throness.
While they're making the trips through this riding as part of their by-election campaigning, Throness says he's enjoying learning more about the area.
"There are all sorts of hidden gems in the Valley," he said, such as Farm House. "This is a great introduction for me to know where the opportunities lie for future growth."
He said if elected, "he can go to Victoria with an eye to what's back here."
Farm House has "found a niche market," he said, and international success, too.
"Businesses have to find that niche, and to find appeal to not just domestic but international markets."
The by-election is set for April 19 in the Chilliwack-Hope riding. In addition to Throness, candidates are Gwen O'Mahony for the NDP, John Martin for the Conservatives, and Lewis Dahlby for the Libertarians.