Special Features - Small Business Week

Knock Down Barriers.

Dare To Grow.

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK October 18 - 24

2 LACOMBE EXPRESS

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

FALL EQUIPMENT CONSIGNMENT

AUCTION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH 2015 @ 9AM MONTGOMERY AUCTION SALES CENTER

4 MILES SOUTH OF LACOMBE ON HWY 2A, 2 MILES EAST ON LAKESIDE SARGENT ROAD

FARM MACHINERY Hydra Spread Manure Spreader, Gehl 322 Scavenger II Manure Spreader, Westfield 7”x36” Grain Auger, Ferguson 8’ Cultivator w/3PT, Mossis L240 24’ Cultivator w/ Harrows, Morris 519 21’ Cultivator, CCIL 20’ Vibrashank Cultivator, 2-IHC 6200 10’ Seed Drills w/Dbl. Drill Hitch & Hyd., 3-Brock 21’ Bin Unloaders w/Power Sweep Unloaders, Power Heads, & Discharge Spouts, Dearborn 2 Btm. Plow w/ 3PT, Leon 707 FEL (To fit Deutz) w/Bucket, Grapple, Hyd. Controls.

TRUCKS 1978 Chevy C65 Grain Truck w/17’ Steel Box w/Hoist, 1996 Peterbilt 300 S/A Picker Truck (engine needs repair) COLLECTOR TRUCK 1958 Chevy Apache Truck M#3804.

GRAIN BINS 2-GSI 10 Ton Hopper Bottom Grain Bins, 1-Walbern 10 Ton Hopper Bottom Grain Bin To Be Sold By Picture - Located at 40027 RR 26-3.

3PT EQUIPMENT (New)5’ Rough Cut Mower w/3PT, (New)6’ Finishing Mower w/3PT, 4-(New)6’ Blades w/3PT, (New) 6’ Landscape Rake w/3PT, Sovema 6” Rototiller w/ 3PT, King Cutter 84” Blade w/3PT, King Kutter 60” Landscape Rake.

SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS Skid Steer Bucket, 42” Tree Taper Auger, Air Ride Seat For Cat Dozer, Air Ride Seat for Skid Steer, Blue Diamond 66” Bucket for Skid Steer w/Replaceable Cutting Edge, Cat 84” Angle Dozer Blade for Skid Steer.

TRAILERS & CHASSIS (New) 2015 Rainbow 20’ T/A Car Hauler Trailer, (New)2015 Rainbow 18’ T/A Car Hauler Trailer-Deluxe Model, 2006 Darco 18’ T/A Flatdeck Trailer, 4’x5’ ATV Dump Trailer, 2-Horst 205 16’ HD Wagon Chassis, 3-Anhydrous Trailers, 2003 Nortruck Service Body, Shopbilt 16’ Tri-Axle Trailer w/ Ramps.

RV TRAILER 1995 Mallard 30’ Holiday Trailer, 1991 Fleetman Prowler 28’ 5W Holiday Trailer.

VEHICLES 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel Truck – 4x4, Ext Cab, LB, 1986 Chevy 30 Van, 1998 Ford F150 EXCB 2WD SB Truck, 1988 Ford F250 4x4 Truck w/ Steel Deck.

ATV’S 2009 Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV, 2002 Polaris 700 Sportsman ATV, 110cc ATV. BOAT & BOAT MOTOR Calie 15’ Runabout Fiberglass Boat w/Trailer, Evinrude Outboard Boat Motor.

STORAGE CONTAINERS & HIGHWAY VAN TRAILERS 2002 Trailmobile 53’Highway Van Trailer (Current CVIP), 1998 Utility 53F Highway Van Trailer (Current CVIP), 28’ Fruehauf FP9 Highway Van Trailer-Roadworthy (Not Certified), (6)-40’ & (4)-20’ Seacan Storage Containers, FUEL TANK 1000Gal Double Wall Fuel Tank W/Stand.

TRACTOR JD 1830 Tractor w/ FEL & Bucket & Snow Bucket, IHC McCormick W6 Tractor.

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT (New) Livestock Squeeze, #5E, (2)-#3E, 2-2AC Ritchie Stock Waterers, 4 Poly Feed Troughs, 5-Round Bale Feeders, Livestock Loading Chute, 7-4’x15’6” Wire Mesh Stock Panel Gates, Treated 8’ Fence Posts, 2-(New) 5’x5’x6’H Dog Kennels, 15’x6 Dog Run, 20-10’ Stock Panels, 2-Insulated Dogs Houses.

BUILDING SUPPLIES 33’ Trusses, Quantity of Assorted LVL, Floor Trusses, Metal Siding, Windows.

LUMBER Large Quantity of Assorted Lumber, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 & More.

RCMP SEIZURE Quantity of Tools, Electronics, Truck Parts, General 660 Dig-R-Mobile Towable Hyd. Post Hole Digger, Westeel Slip Tank, Miller-Matic 135 115v Wire Welder & More.

LAWN & GARDEN Husqvarna GTH Lawn Tractor w/ 54” Mowing Deck, Craftsman R1000 Lawn Tractor w/ 36” Mowing Deck, (New) Troy Built Leaf Blower, Sidewalk Blocks, Turfmower w/FG300 Gas Motor, MTD Yard Mower, Craftsman 6.75 Mower, Husqvarna Leaf Blower, Back Pack Sprayers, Weed Wackers, 4-Electric Snow Blowers, Husqvarna 16530 EXL Snowblower, Berco 44 Frt. Mt. Snowblower, Berco 31 Frt. Mt. Snowblower, Trampoline, Yard Tough Lawn Sweep, Agri Fab 15 Gal Sprayer, Agrifab 42” Lawn Sweep, Merry Mac Wood Chipper, Duetz-Allis 917 Lawn Tractor w/ 42” Mowing Deck & 36” Rototiller.

TOOLS & MISC. Easy Kleen Magnum 4000 Pressure Washer, Highway Lane Change Directional Light on Trailer w/Kubota Engine, Wacker 506 Generator, (New) Job Site Boxes, (New) Ice Augers, Lincoln Cordless Grease 10” Radial Arm Saw, 4” Jointer, Shaper, 14” Bandsaw, Scroll saw, Snowx Sandpro 1875 Sander, Cement Mixer, 2-Crusher Cones, Hotsy Pressure Washer, Lincoln Mig Pak 10 Welder w/ Cart Cable Slings, Proline 14” Pipe Roller, Heavy Truck Parts, 24’ Stakeside Truck Flatbed, Quantity of Western Wear, Steel Pipe, Flat Steel, Galvanized Cable-1500’-1/4” & 1000’-5/16”, Quantity of Baldor Motors 1/2HP, 1HP, 15HP, 100V Rotatory Actuators, Brock 44” Centrifugal Fans-15”, Brock 44” Fan Transition, 2” & 3” Sandblast Hose w/4” Steel Flex, Infinity Air Sprayer, 11-WoodTop Steel Tables w/Castors, 2-5000lb Pallet Jacks, Alum. Combination Ladder, 20’ Alum. Ext. Ladder, Mastercraft Thickness Planer, Ryobi Router Table, PC Compound Miter Saw, ITC Drill Press, Jet 14” Wood Bandsaw, 6’ Rolling Scaffold, Pallet Racking, Champion 3000 Generator, 2-Duel Tractor Tires & Rims – 20.8x38, Dewalt 7000W Generator, Quantity of Bagged Dog & Cat Food, Etc.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

A community celebration via the Business and Community Gala and Awards

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS The Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Business and Community Awards Gala in November.

A Saturday evening, Nov. 14th, has been set aside for the community celebration.

“It’s really a celebration for the greater population of our city, not just the business community,” said Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Bartman.

During the evening, many businesses, community builders and organizations will be recognized through various award categories.

“It’s a way to bring in more members of the community,” said Bartman. “It is a celebration for business in Lacombe. When you have that large number of people together, it is also a great opportunity to recognize individuals as well.”

New to the awards gala this year is a category saluting outstanding customer service through the People’s Choice for Customer Service.

“We wanted to involve more members of the community, people who are encountering excellent customer service on a daily basis, to give them an opportunity to nominate and then to also vote for the winners of that award,” said Bartman.

“We are trying to make it a little bit more interactive.

“Because we are such an agriculture-focused community, I think it is important that we recognize farms in the area as well as business,” added Bartman in regards to the Farm Family of the Year Award.

The formal gala will be held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Cilantro and Chive will be catering the dinner.

This year’s theme is ‘A Night in Paris.’

“We encourage other people in the community who may not be attached to these particular businesses, but maybe they know one of the customer service nominees, to participate,” said Bartman. “The evening is open to absolutely everyone in our community.”

Nominees and award winners will be recognized at the 2015 Business and

Community Awards Gala on Nov. 14th at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.

Tickets are $75 each or $500 per table.

They are available at the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce office at 6005-50th Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or on the Chamber web site at www. lacombechamber.com. For more information, call 403-782-4300.

2015 Business and Community Awards Gala Nominees: Small Business of the Year: - Morrison House Cafe - Elite Bridal Boutique - Red Hot Threads - Lacombe Storage Centre Because of the overwhelming response received from Lacombe residents who submitted nominations in the category, special recognition was given to the following nominees for Small Business of the Year who did not make it into the final round: - Lacombe Community Market - Lacombe FitBody Bootcamp - Sofie B Design - Lacombe Yoga - 50th Avenue House Bed and Breakfast.

Not-for-profit of the Year: - Central Alberta Buccaneers Football Club Lifetime Achievement Award: - Cliff Carson Citizen of the Year - Sue Sage Farm Family of the Year: - Peter and Emma DenOudsten and Family (Peony Farms) People’s Choice for Customer Service: - Krystal Rundell, Red Hot Threads - Candice Campbell, And Everything Nice Antiques and Collectibles - Sheila Seiben, Chateau Wine and Spirits - Charlene Reimer, A&W - Sue Sage, Lacombe Storage Centre - Kelly Holyoak, Normandeau Window Coverings - Murray Tornack, Chateau Wine and Spirits Voting for People’s Choice for Customer Service was open to the public and will be narrowed down to the top four nominees before the gala. news@lacombeexpress.com

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

LACOMBE EXPRESS 3

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

Small Business Week Lacombe Express events in Lacombe Publisher’s message National Small Business week is next week, and in celebration and support of small businesses, several events will be held in Lacombe.

Monday, Oct. 19th- Sunny 94 roundtable discussion First up, on Monday, Oct. 19th is a roundtable session offered by Darcy Stingel and Matt Panelli of Sunny 94.

The focus will be ‘Making the most out of your business efforts’ and the goal is to help support some local entrepreneurs with ideas and strategies for marketing and developing business growth. This event requires pre-registration.

Tuesday, Oct. 20th- Healing Balance Therapeutic Massage Grand Opening On Tuesday, Oct. 20th one of the newest members of the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce is celebrating

their grand opening. Healing Balance Therapeutic Massage invites everyone to come enjoy some food and drink in their beautiful new space downtown on 50th Ave. There will be a door prize draw and special offers to take advantage of. This event is open to the public at 5 p.m.

We d n e s d a y, Oct. 21st- Lube Stop, Business after 5 event We d n e s d a y, Oct. 21st the fun continues with a Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event. This month, the Business After 5 event will be hosted by Lube Stop who will be putting on a great event to celebrate their business and their customers.

This event is also open to the public.

There will be food, drinks, and you could walk away with discounts or a free oil change. The Business After 5 event portion takes place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

TRACEY SCHEVEERS Small businesses make up a large part of Lacombe and it’s important to acknowledge their dedication and range of services to the City.

Small Business Week is an excellent time to recognize the contributions

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of our local business community.

Each year at this time, this designated week is the perfect opportunity to highlight the differences these companies make to Lacombians on a day-to-day basis.

We want to thank the Lacombe Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to bring this feature to our readers. We would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the local businesses that participated.

As your community newspaper it is our responsibility to keep readers informed on local news, sports and entertainment within our City. As well, our paper is a vital tool for marketing and we strive to successfully assist in promoting local businesses.

Their success is our success too.

Tracey Scheveers Publisher, Lacombe Express

403.782.5303 5019A 51 STREET, LACOMBE, AB T4L 2A3 WWW.LACOMBEEXPRESS.COM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

LACOMBE EXPRESS 5

Long-time dental clinic honoured for nomination

BY ZACHARY CORMIER LACOMBE EXPRESS The Lacombe Dental Clinic is a brick building that sits on 51st St. between a parking lot and the Lacombe Express office.

While the building itself may look nondescript, the business it houses is one of Lacombe’s oldest and most successful.

The practice itself was originally founded just after World War II by Dr. Dalton Deedrick. In 1987, Dr. Mike Lowry purchased the practice and eventually moved it into the current building in 1992.

Now, the practice includes five general dentists, five dental hygienists, six dental assistants, and five business assistants. It has also been nominated for this year’s Business of the Year award by the Lacombe Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s nice to be recognized by the business community,” said Dr. Paul West, who has been a partner at the Clinic since 2007. “There’s a lot of businesses in town so to be recognized as a possible Business of the Year among all of the businesses in town, I think that’s a pretty big honour.”

West moved his family out to Lacombe in 2003 after he graduated from the University of Alberta with a Doctor of Dental Surgery. After working in Red Deer for a couple of years, West joined the Lacombe Dental Clinic in 2005.

“In 1987 we were looking for a practice outside of the City of Edmonton and my husband and I found Dr. Deedrick’s practice. Lacombe, back then, was only 5,000

people and it was a nice small town with a great community with really good people,” said Kelly Lowry, the office manager of the practice. Kelly’s husband, Mike, was the dentist that originally bought the practice in 1987.

West added that he also enjoyed the small-town feel that Lacombe offers.

“I was looking for something along the corridor of Highway 2. I’m not very interested in the big city feel; I’m more of a small town guy and Lacombe was a good match,” he said.

According to West and Lowry, the clinic is set apart from other dental practices in the area because of the wide range of services that they offer, as well as the team spirit that is shared amongst the staff.

“We’re able to take care of all your general dental needs from regular maintenance and cleaning, we have five hygienists on any given day. Dr. Lowry has an extensive practice in braces. Really it’s all of your needs in dentistry to help take care of your smile and your health,” West said.

“As the office manager, I get the privilege of watching the dentists work so well together. Dentists are often not so easy to work with but all of these dentists work very well together. They’re all at the top of their game and they’re all very good at what they do,” Kelly added.

When asked why they thought the practice was nominated for the award, both West and Kelly were at a loss for words.

“Honestly we don’t know why but we’re grateful for it,” West said smiling.

“For our good luck and charm,” Kelly

FOUNDATION - The Lacombe Dental Clinic sits on 51st St. and is one of Lacombe’s oldest and most successful dental practices. It was nominated for this year’s Business of the Year award by the Lacombe Chamber of Commerce.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express added with a laugh.

West noted he would like to think that they were nominated because of the positive response they get from the community.

“I would like to think it’s because we have a positive view in the business community as a business that contributes to the community,” he said. zcormier@lacombeexpress.com

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce marks 111 years Lacombe office offers variety of services for local businesses

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS As a collective voice for business and economic growth in the Lacombe region, the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce has, and continues to, make its mark on the community.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Chamber serves and represents

businesses in the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County.

The Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce originated in 1904, first existing as the Lacombe Board of Trade.

The Board of Trade operated officially until 1921.

A resurgence occurred in 1924 and the board continued to operate until 1949 when the Lacombe and

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District Board of Trade and Agriculture was formed.

This organization ran until 1975 when the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce as we know it today, was formed.

Now, in 2015, the Chamber boasts 245 members, with businesses of all sizes and types.

“We have members everywhere from the sole proprietor that maybe doesn’t have any staff, all the way to AFSC, that is one of the largest employers in the City,” said Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Bartman.

“There is definitely a huge variety of industries and services. That’s one of the really neat things about it.

It is not just a group of one type of business. It really is a nice sort of combination of all the businesses in Lacombe.”

The Lacombe Chamber is overseen by a board of directors including a president and two vice presidents. It is also a member of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which provides specific benefits to its members.

“As far as perks go from those memberships, there are merchant services, where members can get lower rates,” explained Bartman. “There are fleet programs, where they can get discounts for gas.

There are also shipping discounts.”

As a member of the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce, small businesses can also access an employee benefits plan called the Chamber Plan Insurance.

The program offers affordable insurance coverage, as over 25,000 businesses are part of the plan nation-wide.

Bartman said some of the members initially join specifically for the in-

surance plan, which provides health, dental and life insurance. Others may have joined because they thought it was important to be a member as they do business in Lacombe.

Some members may have joined, wishing to contribute to the business community by mentoring new entrepreneurs.

One of the main functions of the Chamber is to act as political advocates. “One of the roles that chambers traditionally were created for in the first place was to be a voice to government on behalf of their members,” explained Bartman. “So if there was a political issue or a political concern that was affecting the way that members did business, the Chamber was an avenue to present that information to government.”

“WE EXIST TO SERVE OUR MEMBERSHIP. THAT’S ONE OF THE BENEFITS TOO, BELONGING TO AN ORGANIZATION WHOSE SOLE PURPOSE IS TO HELP YOU BE SUCCESSFUL.” MONICA BARTMAN Bartman said that the Lacombe Chamber is trying to take a bigger role in trying to find out the issues that affect or inhibit members from doing business easily, effectively and then helping move the message onto the government.

“It is a benefit for those that need it,” she said.

“Being able to have a voice at the table to say this is really important to me in my business. I’m facing a challenge with this issue, how

Monica Bartman can you help me? Then we actually have a course of action to take with the Alberta Government and ultimately with the federal government as when it applies.”

One of the direct benefits of being a Chamber member can be networking opportunities as well as building your business on the local level.

“There’s tremendous value being in a room full of people who also do business in the same city as you,” said Bartman.

“Even if it’s people that you have talked to 10 times before, you are likely to learn something new about their business, or you maybe are able to share something new with them about your business.”

The Chamber assists in facilitating these interactions through events like Business After 5 and general meetings, where after sharing a meal, there is a scheduled speaker or presentation to benefit members.

The Business After 5 events are held once a month and are hosted at a variety of Chamber businesses with the intent to educate and to allow networking opportunities.

“So you can see into businesses that maybe you didn’t know exactly

what they did, or maybe it is a retail location that you’ve never been in before, but we give you that opportunity to come in and have a conversation with other members,” explained Bartman. “I see that as a really valuable benefit as well.”

The Chamber also hosts a trade show each year in April, political forums and the Passport to Christmas program.

“Last year, we confirmed $775,000 in a six month period between 31 participating businesses,” said Bartman of the innovative holiday season local shopping incentive program.

The program has seen a jump in participation over the past four years, as well as a jump in dollars ($100,000 more this past year) injected into the local economy.

While the Chamber provides services and benefits to the community, it really is built to serve members.

“We are member-driven,” said Bartman. “We exist to serve our membership.

The board exists to act on behalf of the membership.

That’s one of the benefits too, belonging to an organization whose sole purpose is to help you be successful.” news@lacombeexpress.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

LACOMBE EXPRESS 7

Dancer’s Edge studio offers fun and quality dance instruction

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS For five seasons, Dancer’s Edge Studio has been offering quality dance instruction to the Lacombe community.

However, Dancer’s Edge has been representing ‘purple’ and Central Alberta on the dance floor for the past 13 years.

With dance, having fun and community engagement in mind, Dancer’s Edge Owner/Operator Heather Buelow has built her successful dance studio from the ground up.

With locations in both Lacombe and Blackfalds, the company now boasts over 600 students and 10 instructors.

“To me, we really are one family,” she said.

Buelow grew up dancing in Lacombe and also taught dance in Red Deer for a few years.

“Then I went to school to become a teacher and when I did my practicum, I was standing in front of the students, and I was like - I kind of just want to teach them to shuffle,” she explained. “I just wanted to do my own thing with my own ideas, so that anyone can dance and anyone can dance competitively.”

It is with this passion and determination, Buelow opened up her first studio in Blackfalds 13 years ago. With the popularity of the Blackfalds studio and a visible market for dance in Central Alberta, Buelow began to notice that many parents from Lacombe were driving their children to Blackfalds to dance.

“So then we opened up our location in Lacombe, and then they didn’t have to drive anymore,” she explained.

Both studios offer competitive and recreational classes from age two all

the way to adult. From tap and jazz, to ballet and acro (gymnastics) the studio offers a large selection of classes in a welcoming atmosphere. Dancer’s Edge also offers a Future Stars program, built for little dancers ages six and under. Most programs run from September to April.

The studio also offers a variety of fitness classes including Zumba, yoga and barre solid (ballet).

Fitness classes are drop-in and open to the public at both locations.

“Everything we do in Lacombe, we do in Blackfalds,” said Buelow.

“Our schedules mirror each other.”

Dancer’s Edge also hosts birthday parties, which can be an excellent option in the winter for kids to get exercise and out of the house for a celebration.

“They get an hour with an instructor so they can pick gymnastics, dance or whichever and then the parents can set up in another studio,” said Buelow.

Birthday parties can also include a bouncy house and allow attendees to bring their own food and treats.

Through Dancer’s Edge, a parents association was formed called Dancer’s Edge Parents Association (DEPA). The group operates hand-in-hand with the studio and helps fundraise to minimize the cost of dance for the students.

“Dance can be pretty pricey,” explained Buelow. “It helps pay for competition fees, costumes or any extra dance things they go to.”

Each year the studio sponsors a dancer who could not afford to dance otherwise. Their tuition is paid for the year, allowing them to participate.

Dancer’s Edge is also highly involved in the community through fundraiser barbecues and public per-

INSPIRED - For five seasons, Dancer’s Edge Studio has been offering quality dance instruction to the Lacombe community.

Photo submitted

formances throughout the year at senior’s homes, festivals and schools. Dancer’s Edge is often invited to a school to assist in instructing dance units.

“We are always looking for more community involvement,” said Buelow.

Buelow added her studio’s goal is to be one big family, along with teaching dancers about sportsmanship and teamwork.

“As soon as they walk into the studio, they know this is home,” she said. “We really stress that we are all one family between the two studios. That is something that I take huge pride in.”

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

Red Hot Threads offers uniqueness in clothing

BY ZACHARY CORMIER LACOMBE EXPRESS When Krystal Rundell took ownership of Red Hot Threads on 50th Ave. in Lacombe, she had no idea that it would be so popular.

“I’ve always been into fashion and clothes and then I was kind of floating around between jobs when the opportunity came up and I took it,” Rundell said about why she bought the store.

The 29-year-old Lacombe native took ownership of the 10-year-old business from her mother and sister a year and a half ago. Since then she has been

nominated for two Business of the Year Awards by the Lacombe Chamber of Commerce.

“It means that people are starting to get to know who I am as a person and finally realizing that there’s a store here,” she laughed when asked what the nomination meant to her.

Red Hot Threads is a retail clothing store that carries brand-name apparel such as Silver, Volcom and Bench clothing, to name a few.

“I feel like it’s for everybody,” Rundell said.

“We have stuff for infants all the way up to grown adults. We have casual stuff,

dressier clothes, everyday wear. I think it targets most age groups.”

Rundell got into fashion when she was young and never really looked back.

“I’ve always liked it. I’ve always liked dressing nice and having new things all the time and looking good all the time.

“I just love clothes so much I don’t really know where it came from.”

And it’s her unique sense of style that sets her business apart from all of the other fashion retailers in the Red DeerLacombe area.

“I think it’s more just my style that sets me apart. I hear people always mention that I pick different things than the other stores do,” she said.

Rundell said she enjoys a couple of

different things about running Red Hot Threads, which she also worked at before taking ownership a year and a half ago. “(I like) buying the clothes for the store,” she said, before adding she also really enjoys the interactions that she has with her customers.

“I like meeting the customers and getting to know everybody in town.”

In fact, that sense of community is one of the things she said she likes the most about working in Lacombe.

“I like that it’s a small town feeling. You can still find everything you need on Main Street. You know everybody and everyone knows you. I like the feeling of the community.” zcormier@lacombeexpress.com

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TRENDY - Krystal Rundell, owner and operator of Red Hot Threads in Lacombe, took a break from a busy day of organizing clothes at her store on 50th Ave. Rundell’s business was Zachary Cormier/Lacombe Express nominated for a Business of the Year Award this year.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

LACOMBE EXPRESS 9

Historic Morrison House Cafe offers unique take on lunch

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS When Chuck and Cindy Bourn purchased a historic manor in downtown Lacombe, little did they know the house would not only become a home for themselves, but also a successful cafe that draws visitors from afar into the city.

And so sits the Morrison House Cafe along 51st Ave. - a white and black historic gem of a home built in 1919 that used to be home to one of Lacombe’s first mayors.

With its classic style and antique furnishings, the unique home provides the perfect atmosphere for a laid back cafe, that welcomes visitors to dine in one of two rooms or out on the covered porch or in the garden.

The Bourns opened the Morrison Cafe in 2013, but the inspiration began many years before when the couple ran Miners Cafe in Nordegg for 10 years and the attached gift shop for four years.

“Cindy learned she liked doing that type of work and that she has the gift of hospitality,” explained Chuck. “So when our kids grew up and moved away, we wanted to be closer to them. We were looking in this area and then we saw this house for sale, came and looked at it and just loved it.”

Chuck said the allure of the historic home, the location of the house in Lacombe and the historic nature of the community in general really drew them in.

“We found this house and saw how we could make a cafe in this old historic

home - it’s just a beautiful place and pretty unique.”

Morrison Manor was constructed in 1919 for W. Norman Morrison, who operated Lacombe’s first general store and was a founding member of the Board of Trade (Lacombe Chamber of Commerce).

Morrison was the Mayor of Lacombe from 1917 to 1920. The Morrisons lived in the home until the early 60s.

Chuck said the manor has been a residence ever since, except for one year when it was operated as a tea house in the 90s.

“Other than that year, it has been a residence,” he said, which means all of the furnishings and structuring of the home are well preserved, bringing a historical charm to the cafe.

“It it very much original,” said Chuck.

“It’s been well preserved over the years.

There is nothing quite like it around here.”

The Morrison House Cafe boasts a laid back, welcoming atmosphere that separates itself from a traditional tea house.

“The distinction being that we want to be more casual, come as you are, guy friendly, and kid-friendly too,” explained Chuck. “You don’t need to dress up.”

Both Chuck and Cindy work in the cafe, along with a few part-time employees and others that help out. They serve soups, sandwiches, salads, pies and desserts.

Due to its historic allure, the cafe draws in visitors from long distances.

“We have people coming from other provinces and some will come through Lacombe, and they will hear about the

HISTORIC GEM - Chuck and Cindy Bourn have been operating the Morrison House Cafe along 51st. Ave. for the past two and a half years. The cafe offers a laid back atmosphere in a historic setting.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express cafe,” said Chuck. “A lot of our customers come from Lacombe or Red Deer, but we are also pulling people from as a far as Calgary, Edmonton and other places.”

Some visitors make a day trip, driving from Edmonton or Calgary, having lunch at the cafe and then returning back to their city.

“It’s been fun,” said Chuck. “We enjoy it.

We enjoy the community and the beautiful home. I would also say that we are

pleased at how the business has grown and is continuing to grow. It’s been two and a half years and we’ve made a lot of new friends.”

The Morrison House Cafe is open year round Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch, desserts and afternoon coffee.

Reservations are accepted. Group bookings and take out are also available. news@lacombeexpress.com

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10 LACOMBE EXPRESS

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

How to improve your cash flow management

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Cash flow management can be one of the most complex challenges facing a business owner.

That’s because it takes place on several levels at once—everything from accounts receivables and payables to inventory and expense control, to even bigger questions about your business model.

“Good cash flow management starts with making financial projections and then closely monitoring your actual financial results,” said Sophie Gauthier, director, business restructuring unit at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

“To prepare financial projections, you should first think about your plans for the coming year—especially big-ticket expenditures such as buying equipment or acquiring a business,” she added. “Based on these plans, you should then come up with a projected income statement, balance sheet and monthly cash flow forecasts.”

Consider different scenarios (optimistic, most likely and pessimistic) so you can plan for the impact of each.

Understand the nature of the financing you seek Your projections should also indicate your financing requirements for the coming year.

With those in hand, you can approach your bankers to arrange credit lines or term loans.

It’s important to avoid the common mistake of trying to pay for longer-term assets with your everyday cash. This can lead to a cash shortage if revenues dip or your business keeps growing. You’re better off taking a term loan.

“As the year progresses, compare your projections to actual results on a monthly basis in order to understand the cause of variances and react properly,” Gauthier said. “For example, if sales are lower than expected, you could cut expenses, delay discretionary outlays or ask your suppliers for some breathing room.”

Investigating the cause of variances will help you zero in on where things are going off the rails and how to get back on track.

Profit margins often the culprit Poor profit margins can quickly lead to cash flow problems. Entrepreneurs often fail to account for all overhead costs or simply charge too little for their products or services to produce an acceptable level

of profit.

That’s what happened at Bonté Foods, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest deli-meat manufacturers. The company had to put in a huge effort to overhaul its cash flow management and restructure operations after running into trouble in 2007.

“We learned to watch our cash very carefully,” said Michael Whittaker, president of both Bonté Foods and Trucorp. “We manage our receivables, payables and inventory much more tightly.”

Eyes on the prize The company carefully studied why its cash flow problems had started in the first place. That review led to a restructuring of its operations.

The company improved its profit margins by unloading lower-margin divisions. “We narrowed our vision to a laser-like focus on meats, our core competency,” Whittaker said.

Realizing its pricing didn’t reflect its higher costs after an expansion and acquisition, Bonté also approached customers to ask for substantially higher prices. Most accepted.

The firm also hired an outside consultant to study its operations and help it get leaner.

This improved both production efficiency and management of accounts receivable and payable. It also led to adoption of justin-time inventory management.

Five steps to better cash flow management Collect receivables as quickly as possible, even if you have to offer customers a small discount.

Keep a close eye on your cash flow through the month and compare month-end and quarterly totals to projections.

Use term loans, not working capital or your line of credit, to pay for capital assets such as equipment, machinery or real estate projects.

Seek to extend payment terms, but remember it takes two to tango. Work on improving your supplier relationships.

Arrange financing ahead of time—not when cash gets tight.

To find out more about cash flow management and read real-life entrepreneur stories, download your free copy of BDC’s eBook Master your cash flow: a guide for entrepreneurs available at bdc.ca.

- supplied by the Business Development Bank of Canada

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An advisory board may be the best kept secret for improving your business.

A study conducted by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) found that advisory boards produce huge benefits for small and medium-sized businesses.

As part of the study, BDC commissioned a survey of business owners about their experience with advisory boards. Most entrepreneurs (86%) who have an advisory board said it has had ‘a big impact’ on the success of their company.

Study finds huge benefits BDC also asked Statistics Canada to analyze a sample of 3,900 BDC clients. The findings were clear and consistent. Companies with an advisory board experienced the following benefits in the first three years after an

advisory board was set up: - Stronger sales growth: 66.8%, compared with growth of 22.9% in the three previous years.

- Stronger productivity growth: an average of 5.9%, compared with 3.2% in the previous three-year period.

One company’s experience One company that has enjoyed important benefits from having an advisory board is Steelworks Design, run by Donald and Rhonda Barnet.

In 2008-2009, the recession cost Steelworks half its sales for the custom machinery it designs and manufactures in Peterborough, Ontario.

The Barnets found themselves in a desperate fight to save their business. Yet, they resisted what would be the first staff layoffs in the

company’s history.

“We’re a small family business with friendships and relationships inside the company,” Rhonda says. “It was so difficult.”

The Barnets sat down with their advisory board who challenged them to look at the situation and take decisive action. All three members of the board had experience as senior executives at other companies.

“I was very, very emotional,” Rhonda says. “But if we didn’t make those decisions, everybody’s job was in jeopardy. The advisory board gave us the courage and the strength to go ahead.”

- supplied by the Business Development Bank of Canada.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

LACOMBE EXPRESS 11

Community Market caters to vendors and attendees KALISHA MENDONSA LACOMBE EXPRESS The Lacombe Community Market, created in 2013, has become a niche in Lacombe that caters both to vendors and attendees.

The market is unique in that it implements a variety of community engagement events, including raffles and fundraising opportunities for local organizations and programs. Market creator and organizer Wendy Buyar said she wanted it to be more than just a place to buy goods.

“I thought I would make it something different. I thought it would be the way to get my own product out but didn’t really end up doing that. I fell in love with our wonderful vendors and I really wanted to be a good, supportive organizer. It became more important to me to keep my vendors happy and to do things that made our market different,” Buyar said.

“First we started with a 50/50 raffle, where a vendor kept half of the pot and the other half was distributed to gift cards that were for people shopping at the market.

“Last year, we had all of the vendors give some of their product to us for baskets that were raffled off. The money from those baskets always went back into

a community program that we found could use the help. We put a couple of kids through summer camp through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), we raised over $1,000 for a family in need and have done other small things because this is called a community market and we want it to be that.”

The Lacombe Community Market takes place at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. The next community market will be held Nov. 1st with a market to follow in December. During both events, basket raffles will be held to fundraise for local community programs.

“We have a market on Nov. 1st where we will be doing the basket raffles for fundraising.

We’re going to give the vendors the option of which organization or program they want the money to go to. We’ve talked to FCSS and they have three amazing programs coming up the Christmas Food Certificate Fund, Coats for Kids and Santa’s Anonymous - that people will vote on, with the group with the most votes receiving the donation,” Buyar said.

At the November and December markets, attendees will be asked to vote for which program they feel should gain the funds, and are encouraged to provide some feedback into

UNIQUE - The Lacombe Community Market creator and organizer Wendy Buyar said the market is more than just a place to buy goods.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

market improvements, changes or as to what guests enjoy.

“With those two markets, we’re doing the basket raffle for community donations and we will continue to do our ‘Jackpot Vendor’. That is where we put together three goodie bags from three random vendors and give these prizes to the first person

to shop at each stand. The vendor yells jackpot, and the person shopping gets the gift bag as just a little bonus,” Buyar said.

Buyar said her goal with the market is to give people a community-minded experience, where they can purchase local goods, meet members of the community and give back to that

same community. She said all of the vendors are happy to partake in community fundraisers or planning and that she is very pleased to be able to run this market.

For more information or to become a part of the market, visit lacombecommunitymarket.ca. kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com

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The City of Lacombe recognizes and appreciates the essential role small businesses play in moving our city forward.

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12 LACOMBE EXPRESS

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

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