Focus on St. Albert Business Newsletter August 2012

August 2012

Issue: 1

We Need Your Input!

The St. Albert Trail Committee will be hosting an Open House on Saturday September 29, 2012 from 11am - 3pm at St. Albert Centre, and wants your input! The committee will be looking for resident feedback on various photos and ideas for St. Albert Trail and want to know what area residents feel are most important to prioritize.

The Committee has been formed to implement improvements to St. Albert Trail by:

Balancing needs and wants with financial ability.
Recognizing the diverse needs of stakeholders.
Respecting the needs of both those who travel through and those who live, work and shop the Trail.
Recognizing the Trail is first St. Albert's main commercial district; a commuter route second.

The committee's principals of vision include the areas of aesthetics, mobility and accessibility, business and community support, cost effectiveness, maintainable & safe, and implementation.

For more information contact Sandyne at sbmccutcheon@st-albert.net.

In This Issue

We Need Your Input!

Who's the Best in Business?

TEDxSt. Albert

Cultivating Front Yards

Focusing On...Old Hippy

New Business Listings

July 2012 Charts & Stats

Who's the Best in the Business?

2012 Small Business Week - October 15-19

Every year, the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce celebrates the best in local businesses with Small Business Week. With a variety of activities including breakfasts, lunches, and an Oktoberfest-themed beer and cheese networking evening, Small Business Week is a great way to celebrate St. Albert's vibrant business community.

The week culminates with the Awards of Distinction evening. Held in the Arden Theatre, the Business Awards of Distinction features great food and drinks, live entertainment, and the presentation of awards. The event also includes the Chair's Award of Distinction and our Pillar of Business recognition for a business that chose to stay and grow in St. Albert. Two of our 2011 nominees were named as finalists in the 2012 Alberta Chambers of Commerce Awards of Distinction, with Penzen Ltd. winning the provincial Youth Entrepreneur award.

Nominate your business or someone else's by filling out the form below and keep up-to-date on all the latest Small Business Week news by following the Twitter hashtag: #stalbertbiz.

For the full schedule of events and nomination forms visit the St. Albert Chamber Website.

TEDxSt.Albert is Here, Get Your Tickets!

TEDxStAlbert - independently organized TED event in St Albert TEDxStAlbert is coming up on Saturday, September 15^th and we hope you and friends can join us!

Get your tickets today for what is sure to be an inspiring day in St. Albert's beautiful Arden Theatre. We have 12 great speakers lined up for the day who will be speaking on a wide variety of topics in the TED 18 minute format. From business, the arts, health sciences, buying local, football and more you will be sure to enjoy the day.

For only $99.00 your ticket will include the full day's TEDx event as well as lunch and snacks. As an added bonus, you'll also be able to pop out during our breaks to enjoy the largest outdoor farmer's market in Western Canada which is happening outside the Arden doors.

Tickets are limited and sales will close on September 7^th. Buy those tickets, bring some friends and we'll see you for a great day on September 15th!

Ticket and speaker info: visit www.tedxstalbert.com

Cultivating Front Yards Nominations

Cultivating Front Yards Logo

Thank you to everyone that nominated a residence or business in St. Albert with a beautiful front yard! The responses were overwhelming with over 150 nominations in five categories.

All nominees have been invited to a 'Garden Party' on September 18, 2012 where the winners of each category will be announced. Keep your eye out for photos of the winners in the St. Albert Leader at the end of the month!

Focusing on...
Old Hippy Fine Home Furnishings

Each month, we feature a St. Albert business in our Focus on Business Newsletter to help support our business community and get the word out about all of the great businesses we have here!

Claudia caught up with Glenn Sheets from Old Hippy Fine Home Furnishings to chat about doing business in St. Albert...

Glenn Sheets of Old Hippy Fine
Home Furnishings

Why did you start your business in St. Albert?

I opened my store in St. Albert for a few different reasons. One being that I have been doing re-upholstery in St Albert for 10 years or so and have many clients in the region. Second, this was one of the regions left for a franchise opportunity. Third, I have always liked St. Albert for its small town atmosphere.

Who is your target market / who are your customers?

My Target market is females from the age of 30-55 with annual income 60,000 to 100,000 plus.

What makes your business different or stand out from others?

We at Old Hippy make all of our own product in Edmonton, deliver our own product, and warranty our own product . We do not have different suppliers imported from various places. I do all of Old Hippy's Upholstery and re-upholstery. Having 35 years experience in the field gives me a niche in the market, giving us the edge over our competitors. The furniture in our stores is made here in Edmonton 100%, giving our clients the peace of mind they deserve. Also detailing in our product can be negotiated, giving our customer that uniqueness they are looking for.

Do you incorporate technology into your business - twitter, facebook, web etc?

My location is currently supporting face book where you can view product at Old Hippy Fine Home Furnishings in St Albert.

What's your favourite thing about St. Albert?

I like the quaint atmosphere down here on Perron Street, walking trails, farmers market, Art Walk etc. I love the walk-in customers from the market that come in to the store and leave enlightened. Often I chat with craftsman when they come into my store and comment on the quality of our craftsmanship. It makes us feel proud that there are people that who are aware and appreciate what we have to offer.

Old Hippy Fine Home Furnishings
31a Perron Street
St. Albert Alberta
Phone: 780-419-7262
www.oldhippy.com/stalbert

New Businesses in St. Albert

Commercial / Industrial Businesses

Crystal Eye Studios Inc 780-460-6660

320 16 Renault Cres

Internet Engraving Business

www.crystaleyestudios.com

Cypress Construction & Restoration Ltd. 780-460-2255

5 Rayborn Cres

Flood & Fire Property Restoration Services

barb@cypresscrl.com

Hogs Head Brewing Canada Inc 780-460-5050