Hope Standard Wednesday, February 6, 2013 A11
Community
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New market study spells out promising retail opportunities ing were made aware of the need not just for another study, but a document that drew from recent research and that could be actively used by the entire community. We wanted a marketing tool that local real estate offices, local business people, societies such as the Chamber of Commerce, local and regional governments, media, and simply interested citizens could all use to entice their clients, partners, and friends to Hope. Smerdon’s and Bell’s research strategy em- Tyler braced this require- Mattheis ment, and rather than starting with a Google search, data review, or traffic count document, Smerdon and Bell started with a trip. Driving them around town I was able to watch them take pictures, make comments and notes, and keenly observe everything from store fronts to traffic patterns and customer attitudes.
More like investigative journalism than economic research, their commitment to uncovering patterns and opportunities was invigorating - and a lot more fun. The follow up was equally impressive. After their trip, Smerdon and Bell dove into recent land analyses and demand forecasts (2008), the economic development strategy (2009), the Official Community Plan (2004), and the research that compiles Hope’s economic profile (2011). Then personal phone calls to specific local businesses rounded out the raw data to again bring faces and down-to-earth experience into the final product. Our community has already benefited from this exercise. Armed with this objective analysis, AdvantageHOPE was able to strategically market opportunities in Hope to prospective de-
velopers, retailers, and franchisees at the International Council of Shopping Centres conference in Whistler in January. Rather than saying “if you don’t believe me, just ask me,” we could instead point to the conference co-chair, James Smerdon, and say, “if you don’t believe me, ask him - he’s seen the opportunity in Hope and here’s the data to back it up.” All research documents are not created equally - some are far more useful than others. Our community has already received excellent value from this exercise and is poised to continue to see value over the next few years. This is one study that won’t have time to get dusty on the shelf. Check out AdvantageHOPE.ca to download a copy for yourself. You can find it in the “Blog,” under “Retail” or on the “Publications” page under “Business Resources.” Tyler Mattheis is executive director of AdvantageHOPE. He can be reached at 604-860-0930 or info@advantagehope.ca.
Biz on the Street
Colliers International Consulting has successfully identified promising retail market opportunities in the retail sector for Hope. This respected third party objectively assessed the current business opportunities in Hope using a combination of local field work and statistical analysis. The study decodes economic terms such as Potential Market Recapture, Primary Trade Area, Demand Analysis, and Market Gaps to clearly describe our business potential. Satisfied - and excited. This would well describe the AdvantageHOPE board when the final product was unveiled. The importance of Hope’s strategic location, the additional retail businesses that can thrive in our area, and the potential to claw back dollars currently leaving our community are all wellarticulated in a way that can be presented to local, regional, or international entrepreneurs. From the beginning, James Smerdon and David Bell from Colliers International Consult-
www.hopestandard.com
events there’s more v online » YOUR
PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS
Sat., Feb. 9th 7:00pm Prospera Centre
FEB. 9 is WESTERN NIGHT WEAR YOUR COUNTRY DUDS! Sponsored by Country West Supply
ALBERNI VALLEY BULLDOGS
Sun., Feb. 10th 5:00pm Prospera Centre
FEB. 10 is MINOR HOCKEY NIGHT WEAR YOUR MINOR HOCKEY JERSEY,
GET IN FREE!
Sponsored by
Fraser Canyon Hospital/ Fraser Hope Lodge Auxiliary: We raise funds for our hospital and lodge, and have several events throughout the year. We also have two gift shops, one in the hospital and the other in the lodge. With the money raised we are able to continue to purchase large items needed for the patient’s comfort and care. Monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 11 1 p.m. Fraser Canyon Hospital conference room 1275 7th Ave. 604-869-3517 Hope Al-Anon Group Meeting: Al-Anon welcomes and supports friends and families of problem drinkers. Monday, Feb. 11 8 p.m. Fraser Canyon Hospital meeting room 1275 7th Ave. 604-869-7078 Children’s Active Playtime (CAP): Bring your children for some energetic and active playtime. Lots of floor space to kick a ball, large toys to climb and ride on. For ages 1-4
For the record
years. Parent supervision required. Monday, Feb. 11 9:30 a.m. Hope Recreation Centre 1005 6th Ave. 604-869-2304
played in the back room gallery for the month of February. Hope Arts Gallery 349 Fort St. 604-869-3400
Tuesday
Seniors Coffee and Conversation: Join us for a cup of coffee . No membership required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hope Library. Thursday, Feb. 7 10:30 a.m. Hope Library 1005 6th Ave. 604-869-2369
Community Choir: We practice weekly and present one or two concerts a year, as well as participating in the community Christmas carol evening. Tuesday, Feb. 12 7 p.m. Hope United Church 310 Queen St. 604-869-8435 Hope Homelearners: Learn, share, and chat with other homeschooling families in your community. Children and caregivers welcome. Group meeting Tuesday, Feb. 12 6:30 p.m. Hope Library 1005 6th Ave. 604-869-9441
Wednesday
Retrospect Four: Artwork by the many children, youth, adults and seniors who attend the Hope & District Arts Council sponsored Art Machine will be disFurther to the The Bibliotheca column in the Jan. 30 edition of The Hope Standard, Manning Park Resort is participating in Canada West Ski
THuRsday
Power line tree Pruning and hazard tree removals Bridal Falls When:
February 4, 2013 to March 29, 2013
Hope Christian Women’s Club: Enjoy a morning with like minded women who meet, enjoy a cup of coffee and pray for their families & friends, the community, politicians, world leaders, our military, firefighters & health care workers. Thursday, Feb. 7 9:30 a.m. The Sim’s 532 Rupert St. 604-869-8420
Time:
7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
saTuRday
West: Highway 9
Movie night: Free movie with free pop,and popcorn. Saturday, Feb. 9 6 p.m. Potters House Church 476 Wallace St. 604-702-8464
Trees are a significant cause of power interruptions. Contact between trees and power lines can also create a severe danger. Over the next few months we will be pruning and removing trees in the Bridal Falls area. Boundaries: North: Fraser River East: Herrling Island South: Highway 1
Trees are pruned using the best arboriculture (tree care) practices. Skilled workers employed by BC Hydro are trained in both electrical safety and tree care. Only correct and proper techniques are used to eliminate any safety hazards. For more information about this work, please call Brian Hadden at 604 854 8447. For more information on our vegetation management practices, please visit bchydro.com/trees. 3789
Monday
2/13h C37
Community CaLEnDaR
CHIEFS HOCKEY...CHILLIWACK’S TEAM For more details: 604.702.0062 www.chilliwackchiefs.net
Areas Association’s Family Day discount on lift tickets. Visit www.manningpark.com for more details. Publication:
Hope Standard (BCNG)