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Ways You Can Support Your Local Businesses During A Pandemic

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Why the pandemic means we need to support local businesses more than ever.

Everywhere we look big brands and big box stores are on display. While these large companies have the money to buy online ads or billboards it’s small businesses that most impact on our local community. And it’s small business that has been mostly impacted by the pandemic.

Small businesses color and enrich local shopping by providing unique products and services that make our local communities great places to live. No one wants to live in a neighborhood where unique local stores are replaced with For Lease signs. These small businesses also provide the lions share of employment and often employ people we know. These are our neighbors, friends, and family so it makes sense to support them, and during the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that these businesses survive for the health of our communities.

Here tips on how to support local businesses: Read more

Protect Yourself – Fraudster’s Tricks and How To Avoid Them

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I just received a phone call from Ontario, saying it was Servus Credit Union calling and that my SIN has been compromised and not to hang up as I would end up in JAIL!

I hung up. . .

In this day of heightened cyber crime being aware of how to protect yourself has become critical. Here are some tips to avoid falling into a fraudster’s trap. Read more

Moving During A Pandemic

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Packing and moving can be difficult at the best of times, but moving during a pandemic creates a whole new set of challenges. If you have to move you and your moving company should put health and safety first. We suggest you call your moving company to discuss your options and they should help you plan as safe (and seamless) a move as possible. This may include: Read more

Camping During Covid-19

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Now that the weather is finally nice most of us have the itch to get our campers out, spruced up, and on the road to our favorite camping spot so we can enjoy our summer. Well this season it is looking very different thanks to Covid-19.

Provincial campsites will all remain closed until after a government assessment on June 21, 2020. However, the private camp grounds are under county discretion as long as they comply with rules set out by Alberta Health Services. Here’s what to prepare for this Covid camping season:

  • Only Motor Homes and hard sided travel trailers that are completely self contained with an internal water supply, holding tanks and personal washroom will be allowed.
  • All public washrooms and shower facilities will be closed.
  • Campers will need to bring their own water as there will be no access on site.
  • Campground capacity will be limited for purposes of social distancing
  • There must be a minimum space of 30ft between camp sites
  • No group camping and no co-mingling of campers.
  • Campers must disinfect tables upon arrival and departure.
  • No garbage collection. Campers will need to take their garbage with them when they leave.

 

We have found some campgrounds around central and southern Alberta that are following these guidelines and hoping to open to campers June 1.

  • Close Drayton Valley we have Elevated Experience Camping 780-542-5821 and Kay-son RV Park 780-514-5969.
  • Around Edmonton we have Glowing Embers RV Park & Travel Centre 1-877-785-7275.
  • By Rocky Mountain House is Outwest Camping 403-844-3083.
  • In Blackfalds Watipi Campground 780-852-6176.
  • By Okotoks we have Riverbend Campground 403-938-2017.
  • Also, the Hoodoo RV Resort in Drumheller, 403-823-2790. This site is also taking snowbirds and essential workers only until June 1st.
  • In Nanton. the Lions Campground, 403-336-9999 will be open.

Let’s not let this discourage us from enjoying one of our all-time favorite summertime traditions, as with like the rest of our lives this is our new normal until we can get this virus under control. Happy camping!

https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-private-and-municipal-campgrounds.pdf

~ Candice Sinclair

Seller’s Remorse

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Kids, grandma is moving in. It will be so great to have her living here.

Jill speaking to husband – John: What are we going to do with all of mom’s belongings? It won’t fit in the house and she has so much.

John speaking to Mother-in-law – Ethel: Why don’t we have a garage sale before you move. Jill and I can help, and of course Cathy and Cindy being teenagers can also help. This will teach them how to negotiate. Read more

Wrapping, Joyful Or Not

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With Christmas so close, the wrapping paper starts coming out. Who does the work making these boxes with ribbons and bows look so beautiful? We asked our management team who gets wrapping detail at their home.  Read more

Small Business Profile: Cilantro & Chive

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Rieley Kay started Cilantro Catering in 2009, doing functions for family and friends. It was always part of their plan to expand into a restaurant as well as catering. An opportunity in Ponoka sped up this part of the plan exponentially.

The first restaurant was in Ponoka. It opened in February 2012, with 5 employees. But within a couple of years the building was sold and Cilantro and Chive’s lease came to an end. Unable to find another suitable location in Ponoka, December 15 2015 they moved to their current location in Lacombe. In the past, this spot has been a bus depot, a bike shop, a train store, antique shop and a general store. Read more

Why It’s Important to Give Back to the Community

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When a business supports their community, that same community gives back support to the business.

You may not be the only business of your kind in your city or town. Helping in the community helps your business stand out and stay in the minds of the public when they need the products or services your business offers. Read more

Small Business Profile: Lacombe Community Market

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One of the things that interests me with my job is the different people that come and go. What kinds of business people do we have storing with us?

One business that grabs my attention is Wendy Buyar who runs the Lacombe Community Market. Read more

Why We Support Big Brothers & Big Sisters or Boys and Girls Clubs

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As a small business in a small community, why would you want to reach out and support a charity such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters (BBBS), The Boys & Girls Club, Girl Guides, or Scouts.

A better question to ask is, why would you not?

Personally, I cherish the time I spend with our local BBBS community. I have children of my own and there have been times where as a parent I’ve had to work very long days. In those times, my son or daughters might have needed a Big Brother or Big Sister. I was fortunate enough to have the support of other family members, but I know many other parents don’t have enough support. I speak from experience when I say a tired parent can only do so much for a child. My fear, as a mother, has always been the possibility of a child not having enough positive adult role models in their young lives. I believe that every parent should know they are not in it alone in raising their child, and that their community is there for them. Read more

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM
CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAPPY
WITH THEIR SELF-STORAGE
EXPERIENCE

I’ve always had wonderful service. I appreciate it. You have went above and beyond.

Medicine Hat Storage has generously donated 2 full storage units to the Canadian Cancer Society! Each time I am at Medicine Hat Storage, picking up our materials, I am greeted with a warm and friendly smile!

We are so grateful for the continued generosity and support of Medicine Hat Storage as it allows for the Canadian Cancer Society to still have an active presence in the Medicine Hat community by allowing us to store supplies and materials, with easy access!

This company and the people who work here have always been friendly, courteous and professional.

The staff at Medicine Hat Storage really work hard at making their customers feel part of the family. I really appreciate what they provide for the continuation and growth of my business.

Medicine Hat Storage

3183 Gershaw Drive SW
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 3N1

(877) 415-6576

Drayton Valley Storage

7315 Township Road 490
Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 2A2

(877) 514-7525

Lacombe Storage Center

4014 52 Avenue Lacombe
Alberta T4L 2J7

(855) 795-8584