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Press
Fire r te Figh te SaluDE! I
Vol. 115, Issue 17
INS
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
$1 Including GST
‘Flagstaff Celebrates Success’ event a celebration of local entrepreneurs
Flagstaff County, through the Economic Development Department, held the fifth Flagstaff Celebrates Success event last Thursday, Oct. 20, in Killam, during Small Business Week. The evening was a celebration of local small businesses, as well as the innovative programs and collaborations made through the county. Leslie Cholowsky Editor Flagstaff County Council has identified Economic Prosperity as a strategic priority in its latest strategic plan. “To work collaboratively with our local businesses and regional partners in the diversified growth of our economy.” That breaks down to collaborative economic development, and nothing demonstrated the strength of that commitment better the recent Flagstaff Celebrates Success event held in Killam on Thursday, Oct. 20. The evening was a culmination of a small business week celebration of local businesses where Flagstaff County, together with local business JCE Films, created 14 short films featuring local businesses from around the region that were featured on the county’s social media sites over the past week. Flagstaff Economic Development Officer Jenalee Waring told Thursday’s crowd, “This week in Flagstaff has been dedicated to our small business community - you guys.” Small Business Week started with a breakfast in Hardisty, and featured other opportunities for learning through a partnership with BREOC.
Waring called Thursday’s event, “A formal celebration of the passionate and resilient small businesses throughout our region.” She added, “It has been an absolute thrill to spend the week with some of you, and we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your impact in our communities.” A recorded message from Battle River Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek, and live greetings from Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely were also part of the event. Reeve Don Kroetch started his talk off by quoting Mahatma Gandhi, saying, “Every worthwhile accomplishment either big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory. “I’m not sure he was talking about Flagstaff County’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, but you certainly have dealt with more than your fair share of struggles during the pandemic. But you’re all here tonight, and that’s a testament to your resilience. “You are innovative and resourceful and possess an entrepreneurial spirit that has helped you adapt and persevere through some tough times.” Kroetch told the small business owners present, “You’re not alone. The Flagstaff County Economic Develop-
ment team is working hard to ensure that our region is sustainable and continues to grow and thrive.” Kroetch pointed out that the county’s Economic Development team has won three prestigious national marketing awards for their work in the Flagstaff County region, including the Flagstaff Region Grows Video, the Succeeding Together apparel, and the Flagstaff Crafted Gift Guide. Kroetch said the Flagstaff Featured Business program turns five years old this month. “Since 2017 we have been featuring businesses throughout the Flagstaff County region monthly with videos and newspaper stories in partnership with The Community Press. “Flagstaff County is continuing to work collaboratively with our communities,” Kroetch added, including BREOC, BRAED, and various other groups in the region. He said Flagstaff Crafted is another success that deserves to be celebrated, “It is now bigger and better than any of its three years in existence. This program enhances the exposure of local makers, artisans, producers, and retailers of local products.” Launched in 2019 with 14 businesses, Kroetch says the program now boasts over 100 small businesses
from across the region. “Flagstaff Crafted continues to help entrepreneurs tell their stories, grow their customer base, and connect them with business resources.” Kroetch turned the discussion to the audience. “This is about you. I want to hear your stories about how your vision turned into reality; the stages of your drudgery and triumph; your beginning, your struggles, and your victory. “I want to listen to your ideas of how Flagstaff County can continue to support your small business which in turn supports our local economy and the quality of life in rural Alberta. “I hope you share our vision for the future, and I hope you enjoy tonight’s event.” Waring took the opportunity of Kroetch’s mention of Flagstaff Crafted to dive in and celebrate one of the program’s original members, Sweet Three Designs, owned and operated by Candace Patten, through a special video. “Candace exemplifies the collaborative intent of the program. Collaborating between businesses is imperative to the success of small local businesses and Flagstaff Region in particular,” Waring said. See BUSINESS P10