2 minute read
BUILDING A FOUNDATION
Business Visitation Program
Both the apprentice and journeymen carpenter depend on the tools in their toolbox to build a good foundation.
A partnership between the M.D. and Town of Bonnyville saw the creation of a Regional Economic Development Plan and Technical Report. These documents contained several recommendations from the local business community, including the need to implement a business visitation program. Business visitations are the foundation of a sound economic development program.
These visits develop a core understanding of the businesses operating in the M.D., takes the pulse of the local economy, and fosters proactive relationships with existing businesses.
Through this initiative, the M.D.’s Economic Development Department will be able to better serve businesses in the region by monitoring and recommending improvements to M.D. services, connecting businesses to resources, and providing the opportunity to ‘match-make’ between existing businesses to further support the local economy.
During visits to businesses, Economic Development staff and company representatives will have the opportunity to meet and discuss:
• Business environment
• Business information and resources
• Future plans
• Challenges
• Opportunities for growth
Conversations with businesses will provide the M.D.’s Economic Development Department with details that will help connect business with opportunities, including attracting new businesses to the area and encouraging the growth, transformation, and evolution of existing businesses.
Whether your business is large or small, we want to hear from you! Contact Economic Development Specialist Scott Kovatch at 780-8263171 or skovatch@md.bonnyville. ab.ca today to schedule a visit.
Commemorative Bench And Picnic Tables
Do you want to leave a lasting memory of a loved one? Did you know the M.D. has a program which allows residents to purchase a commemorative bench and/or picnic table to honour the memory and/ or achievement of a friend, family, or loved one?
The Commemorative Bench Program sees a bench or picnic table with a plaque placed within M.D. parks, trails, and recreational spaces.
You can find examples of the bench designs in the official Commemorative Bench Application online at bit.ly/ BenchesProgram.
Here are a few highlights of the program:
• You can choose a picnic table or bench as your memory marker. Benches are typically six feet long and have a back rest, while picnic tables are the standard eight feet.
• The cost of the plaque is included in the price of each bench or picnic table.
• The benches will be placed in location in consultation with the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department.
• The M.D. will remain the exclusive owner of the benches and picnic tables, the land upon which they are situated, and all surrounding areas.
• Businesses are eligible to purchase a commemorative bench or picnic table, however the program cannot be used to further any commercial interests, and as such, no advertising or logos will be permitted on the benches or picnic tables.
For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at 780826-3171.
