A message often heard and seen in the town of Cochrane is 'Shop Local', but some are wondering why that message is not being conveyed this weekend.

Rogers Hometown Hockey is coming to town and many local business owners were excited about the boon to the economy this event would bring, big events mean big dollars to the Cochrane community.

Ronnie Knowles, owner of Big Hill Pizza, says he was ecstatic to learn that his business was on the list as a pizza supplier, only to find out later that Giuseppe Pizzeria Pizza was the official pizza for Hometown Hockey weekend. Knowles feels duped.

"I was on the list for pizza, and I was pretty excited about that. We take great pride that we're local, we're a local supporter of community events, 100% of our money stays in this area. I was informed by seeing it on the internet, not personally, that Giuseppe Pizza, a frozen pizza, is going to be the pizza of choice down there and also the other health permits pulled were not for local places."

Knowles says many businesses have planned supplementary entertainment around this weekend but wonders where is the support?

"It's disheartening, not only are we facing a hard time in the economy but we're trying to work together. The businesses are working together, everybody is working together, but yet the bigger identities aren't working with us."

Jag Thind, owner of Mehtab thinks there was a real lack of communication surrounding the event and feels his business may only benefit by chance.

"When people are coming out do they have anything? Any of the lists or anything of some of the restaurants in Cochrane or businesses in Cochrane? Nothing, no listings. They need to know where they should go, they are going to find us but that is by luck; they don't have any information."

JJ Ludwig owner of the Rockyview Hotel and Texas Gate has mixed emotions. While she is thrilled Cochrane was awarded the opportunity to hold an event of such stature, she is not sure how much spin off business she will actually see if people do not stick around town.

"I feel that the planning department has had a bit of an oversight on how this great event can help the businesses of Cochrane during a trying economy. I've heard great numbers that this event will bring upwards of 8000 people to Cochrane, but when presented with the shuttle map that services the event, I couldn't help but notice that the shuttles do not service any areas that could really benefit business. Historic Downtown doesn't even have a pick up point. I think this could have been a fantastic opportunity for the Town and businesses to work together to give the ultimate experience to showcase exactly everything Cochrane has to offer so that we can promote tourism and spending in the future."

In the end Ludwig is still hopeful all businesses in Cochrane will capitalize off this mega event.