February 2016 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce Social Media2016 February Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce www.facebook.com/princealbertanddistrictchamberofcommerce
Get in Touch Tel: 306-764-6221 Email: chamberpa@sasktel.net
BOARD OF DIRECTORS A Message from the CEO, Larry Fladager Recently, a poll on PANow.com asked a question about our city’s downtown area, and whether local residents felt safe while in the downtown core. It’s safe to say that Prince Albert’s downtown area gets a ‘bad rap’ and is looked upon by many as unsafe for various reasons. So, it’s not surprising then that the PANow poll generated a lot of comments on the question of safety in the downtown area– many of them negative and most unhelpful. While more than 2,000 people responded to the poll, many of the comments were lacking in terms of ideas or viable suggestions for ways to improve the area. The media is simply asking the question. It is the job of media to present facts and issues to keep the public informed on those issues. It’s up to us as residents, business owners, advocacy organizations and community participants to decide what happens next. In the age of the Internet, it’s easy for someone to comment from behind a computer with little or no actual knowledge of the city’s downtown area. The perception of the downtown as unsafe casts a shadow on the city as a whole. Most of the people who live or work downtown will tell you they’ve never had any problems in the area. Prince Albert’s downtown core is full of fun and interesting things to see and do. Check out the Chamber’s events page to see not only how many activities are happening in the city, but just how many are taking place downtown. The Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District Association responded to the recent poll question with an article highlighting the many benefits of an active downtown. They’re right when they say the downtown is an important part of the city’s landscape and make up a significant portion of the city’s commercial tax base. There are many local business owners who choose to operate in the city’s downtown. From media to law offices to restaurants, clothing boutiques and services, downtown Prince Albert is where they want to be. Several new businesses are set to open downtown in the next few months to offer even more local options.
Board Chair Greg Breeze Affinity Insurance Past Chair Shelley Cannon Novus Law Group First Vice Chair & Secretary/ Treasurer Gordon Jahn, MNP Board Appointed Robert Bratvold Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division Elected Board Members Ian Litzenberger, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy Meghan Mayer, Salon Six Garrett Lawless, Transwest Air Tracy Feher Feher Financial Inc. Jason Hurd aodbt architechture + design Arnold Boldt
There are many people putting their time and money into the downtown area, not only to run a successful business, but in other ways, to help our community grow and proper. The question here isn’t whether downtown is safe or unsafe. The real question is why isn’t everyone doing something to promote and support such a vital part of our city.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Certainly, there is more to be discussed on this issue. The question has been asked, so maybe the next question should be: What can we as a community do to promote and support our downtown businesses and organizations?
Dean McKim Prince Albert Co-op Gerald Gareau Conseil de la Coopération de la Saskatchewan
Simply saying the downtown area needs improvement does not help. What can we do to make downtown a place we can all enjoy and feel welcomed? And, what are we willing to do to help make that happen? February 2016
Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
Kevin Proctor Scotiabank
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This workshop for Chamber of Commerce Business Members will be taught by Carolyn Carleton— a branding/marketing guru— who in her first year created a small business with a strong online following and is now recognized internationally for her product. Find out secrets that can save you time and money. We will cover social media, how to create and manage your online presence, design and manage your own website, marketing in Prince Albert, going mobile and how to keep consumer dollars in Prince Albert. February 25, 2016 1 p.m.– 3 p.m.
$30
Join us Thursday, March 10 for an informative luncheon featuring Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO with Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Building a Better Tomorrow Thursday, March 10, 2016 Prince Albert Travelodge Tickets: $25 members; Non-Members $30
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Caring and sharing with loved ones Like many new long-term care residents, Marie Keir’s mother moved into the Herb Bassett Home and worried about being left alone. “I assured her she was not being abandoned,” says Keir. While such words can be a comfort to a loved one, Keir went a step further and registered to be a Volunteer with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region. “By doing that, she knew I had a commitment and I would be up more often.” Family members of residents in care homes know that there is a lot of living going on within those walls. That life spills out into the community when residents go shopping, visit attractions and participate in community activities. Inevitably, while helping their own loved one participate, that support carries over to others in the group. “First you’ll be sitting with the other residents at dinner. You get to know them. You help them out. And you develop a relationship with them,” says Keir. As she surveyed the crowd at a recent Christmas party held in the facility, a warm smile of recognition spread across her face. “They become Marie Keir first registered as a Volunteer with the Health Refriends,” she says, adding, “and for some, their gion when her mother moved into the Herb Bassett Home. Since then, the friendships she has built with the residents family.” have grown and deepened. Recently, she shared in the Volunteering for her mother’s activities made festivities at the Home’s Christmas parties, enjoying a laugh sense for Keir. “I had volunteered for my daughter’s or two with resident Marlene Horan (Above, right). activities. The same applies for the elderly,” she says. “You just have to be there for them.” The appreciation she feels from the residents is almost palpable. “They can’t pay you to feel something meaningful like that,” says Keir. “The staff appreciates it, too. You gain a mutual respect for each other’s roles.” In encouraging other family members and friends of residents to volunteer, Keir says people mistakenly think they can’t make a difference. “If they tried it even once, they would know what a change they can make in someone’s life.” Looking over the crowd at the Christmas party once again, her fondness for the residents still evident in her smile, Keir says, “Especially at this time of year, there is no better gift you can give than the gift of your time.” Have you or a loved one felt the kindness of a Volunteer? Are you already visiting family at one of the care homes in the Region? Please consider joining our team of Volunteers by contacting the Volunteer Services Department at (306) 765-6010, by email at volunteers@paphr.sk.ca or visit our website at: www.paphr.ca February 2016
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Sold-out Crowd Attends Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address Just over 350 people attended the 2016 Mayor’s State of the City Address on January 28. Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne provided an update on issues such as the local economy, infrastructure, taxes and growth. This exciting event was sponsored by Bridges Health. The event was attended by members of the local business community, the Prince Albert Raiders hockey team and Brigid Lancaster and Hayley Remus, students at Rivier Academy. The students were able to attend thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mr. Mike Mitchell and From left: Chamber of Commerce CEO Larry Fladager; Scott Moe, Saskatchewan his company Tyrone Pest Control. Minister of Advanced Education; Victoria Jurgens, MLA Prince Albert Northcote; Mayor Greg Dionne; Leon Ferguson, Executive Director Bridges Health; Delbert Kirsch, MLA Batoche; Nadine Wilson, MLA Saskatchewan Rivers and Greg Breeze, Chair of the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Leon Ferguson, Executive Director with Bridges Health, introduces Mayor Greg Dionne ahead of his 2016 State of the City Address January 28. February 2016
Brigid Lancaster, left, and Hayley Remus were guests at the Mayor’s State of the City Address. The two students from Rivier Academy were able to attend thanks to the generous sponsorship from Mike Mitchell, centre, owner of Tyrone Pest Control.
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Welcome! To Angela Powder and Natasha Thomson, who recently started working with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in Prince Albert. Both are new to the city and are looking forward to getting to know the community and welcoming new volunteers to the organization. Read more here.
Congratulations! To Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The school was named one of Canada’s best by Maclean’s magazine for its culinary arts program. Read more here.
Kudos to the Prince Albert Co-op Association, which recently donated $5,000 toward new playground equipment at Birch Hills School. The Co-op also announced a partnership with Parkland Ambulance Care to equip their stores with AEDs (automated external defibrillators). In total, the Prince Albert Co-op purchased seven AEDs.
Congratulations! To the folks at Salon 6, who are celebrating five years in business this month.
Kudos to our friends at Redhead Equipment, who announced earlier this month that money raised through their Field of the Future project will go toward improvements at the Herb Bassett Home. Learn more about this fundraiser by clicking here. The Prince Albert & Area Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for community projects. To learn more about the grant program and criteria, please click here.
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Square One: Saskatchewan’s Business Resource Centre, offers a variety of services to help the province’s entrepreneurs successfully establish their business. Square One’s databases provide industry information, business profiles, demographic data, expenditure reports, trends, and more. The customizable reports provide Saskatchewan entrepreneurs with material to ensure they make strategic business decisions. These services are provided to our clients at no cost. Click here for examples. Square One also provides path-finding services, guided registration assistance, and general business information. Our Guest Advisor Program provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to talk to professionals and receive business advice. Click here to read our latest newsletter.
Proudly supported by the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
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Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Neighbourhood Caterers Prince Albert Branch of the Navy League of Canada Twin Eagle Resource Management Canada Toshiba Business Solutions
Congratulations to renewed Members for January Amy’s on Second Assemblee Communautaire Fransaskoise Inc. Boston Pizza Community Service Centre Darcy’s Golf Shop Ltd. Dr. Allison Martin Medical Prof. Corp. Flaman Sales Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment Grand Trunk Developments GRW Contracting Ltd. Happy Camper RV ICON Realty Incorporated Kal Tire Lakeland Ford Lobstick Travel North Star Trophies
Parkland Ambulance Care Ltd. Prakash Consulting Ltd. Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Prince Albert Raiders Hockey Club Inc. Prince Albert Rental & Leasing Services Ltd. Rural Municipality of Prince Albert #461 Purified Water Store Remax Riverside Hyundai Sask Liquor & Gaming Authority SGI South Hill Animal Clinic South Hill Chiropractic The Fireplace Hut Travelodge Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Foundation
Thank you! Your continued support of your local Chamber makes it possible for us to work on your behalf, and we want you to know we value your commitment! February 2016
Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
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WHITROW STOBBS & ASSOCIATES Professional Accountants
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RELIABLE ADVICE & SOLUTIONS 144 12th St. East Prince Albert Phone: 306.764.2773 ...ACCOUNTING...TAXATION...CORPORATE SERVICES...
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Financial
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Calendar of Events
Click here for all our members’ events
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The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan is the #1 plan in Canada! For employee benefits, covering over 25,000 small businesses across the country. ALL types of businesses are eligible for the program no industry exclusions! Call 306-922-4414 today to find out how much money your business can save!
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Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Staff
Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 3700 — 2nd Avenue West Prince Albert, SK S6W 1A2
Larry Fladager CEO Carolyn Carleton Executive Assistant
T: 306.764.6222 F: 306.922.4727 www.princealbertchamber.com
February 2016
Charlene Tebbutt Communications Coordinator
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