As I look out my window I see dirt piles and heavy equipment. Not the prettiest of sights, but it is the look of progress. The construction of the new RCMP facility has begun. This will provide much needed space for the expanding police force that is necessary to serve our rapidly growing community. Now if the rain will hold off for a bit the construction workers will have time to move forward on a number of projects that are on the go.
I enjoyed an 8 day vacation to Manitoba the beginning of June. The water, water everywhere scenerio of southern Saskatchewan and most of Manitoba was incredible to see. The work that has gone into diking and sandbagging to help prevent catastrophic damage and the innovative ways to get heavy oil tankers out to pump tanks off at well sights was also very interesting. Looked like the wild west movie town wooden sidewalks ... only bigger.
If you weren't able to come downtown on June 11th for the 2nd Annual Streetscapes Co. Downtown Streetfest, you missed a great time. The main stage was active with dancers, bands, singers, & fashion shows, while the streets held great food and lots of fun and things to see and do for all ages. The art market was held inside the Atrium Centre and presented works from many local artists. Thanks to all of the downtown volunteers who worked very hard to make sure this day was a great success. The rain also cooperated until about 3:00 pm.
The Lloydminster Chamber was pleased to host four members of the Premier's Council on Economic Strategy on Wednesday. The information shared was very interesting and can be found through a link on the Chamber website at http://www.lloydminsterchamber.com/ .
The Chamber met with City Council and City senior administrators today. This annual meeting is valuable to both the City and the Chamber in that it provides an opportunity to ensure that the leaders in the community understand the agenda's of each other and can offer discussion and assistance when necessary. There are a couple of joint nitiatives that may be pursued over the next while. It is important to make sure that we are speaking with one voice when we meet with politicians and goverment leaders.
Our members were given an invitation to participate with the Political Action Committee to let our MLA's hear about the issues and concerns that business people have concerning the health care issues in our City. Several businesses took the opportunity to tell their stories and share their concerns. We hope that receiving this information will be helpful to our MLA's as they take forward our concerns to government. The Chamber has been invited to participate on the Primary Health Care working groups in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. In this way, the voice of the business community will be heard.
The Charity Golf Tournament yesterday just couldn't have had better weather. I know there was a lot of anxious people after the many inches of rain that came down on the week-end. Our community came out again with their generosity to support the Health Foundation and several other non-profit organizations in the community.
Alberta Venture magazine rated Lloydminster again as one of the best places to start a business. It seems that we just continue to be in that top ranking for our business success and the place to be. What is it that makes us such a great place for business? Well, I think that we have had some very successful and community minded individuals who have blazed the trail over the years, we are determined and innovative, we are generous and welcoming and we are supportive. Who wouldn't want to try their hand at a business in Lloydminster? The Chamber welcomed over 55 new members last year bringing our numbers to over 540 members. A strong Chamber, a City Hall and Economic Deveopment Corp that are open to business and a generous community, first class facilities and every amenity that a regional centre can offer, make Lloydminster the ideal place to locate a business.
Till next time.....Pat
