...do you ever wonder what happens at this address? At one time you would have purchased your pop and chocolate bars here; at another time you would have deposited or withdrawn money from this location...but, now it is the home of Economic Development and Community Sustainability. We are the St. Albert Business Centre.

Drop by our open house May 28^th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. We would love to have a coffee with you and chat about the services that we offer to the community.

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As a new feature to our Focus on Business newsletter, managers at Economic Development are going to contribute articles quarterly relevant to their expertise. These will feature Investment Attraction, Business Retention and Expansion and Marketing and Tourism.
 

The investment attraction team is undertaking many initiatives to attract investment and diversify the business and employment landscape in St. Albert.  Our goal is to help companies understand the business and investment opportunities available in St. Albert and ultimately match their needs with our opportunities. We offer one-on-one consultations to businesses and site selectors making business investment decisions.

Recent Activity

•  Over the past several months we have seen the purchase of 143 acres in South Riel by Great West Life.  They will develop this land with over 1 million square feet of industrial space and several hundred thousand square feet of commercial space.
• There is a pending deal on 56 acres of industrial zoned land in South Campbell that will see the development of several hundred thousand square feet of prime industrial space.
• We announced an exciting new commercial development called Erin Ridge North Shopping Centre.  This development covers 48 acres and will feature over 477,000 square feet of commercial development, including a Costco, large national brand grocery retailer and variety of big box and independent retailers.

Our Investment Attraction in Action feature article will be reporting to the business community updates on a wide range of new investment activity in St. Albert on a quarterly basis.  Stay tuned!

If you have any questions or would like to chat, please contact Aaron Latimer @ 780 459-1613.

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This month I was able to touch base with Tamar Nersesian, Public Relations for Target Canada. She shared some great information about Target and their plans for Canada, including St. Albert. Our local store opening at St. Albert Centre in May is one of 124 locations opening across Canada this year.

Their goal is to ensure that the shopping experience offered to Canadian guests is as similar to the US shopping experience as possible while being aware of the unique wants and needs.

For those not familiar with the brand, Target is known for its innovative designer partnerships, and assortment of stylish, quality products. Since opening its first stores in 1962, Target has set itself apart from other retailers by offering great design at affordable prices. They plan to extend their great design partnerships within Canada, including ongoing partnerships with Nate Berkus, Sonia Kashuk, Giada De Laurentiis and Shaun White, as well as a limited time only collection with Kate Young and Roots Outfitters for Target.

Target markets to moms, ensuring they have everything they need at a one-stop shop. Tamar mentioned that Target Canada is looking forward to getting to know Canadian moms and other guests as they establish themselves in the market.

At Target, community giving is a cornerstone of the company and they will continue their legacy of giving in Canada. Since its early days, Target has given 5 percent of its profits to communities. Tamar said, "As the company expands its presence across the country, we are excited to extend our legacy of giving, long history of being a good neighbour and active engagement with local and national partners to help build safer and healthier communities".

Target stores in Canada feature the very best that Target has to offer and reflects the latest thinking on store layout, fixtures and design. Also, Target Canada stores will be among their most sustainable collection of stores to date, as they seek LEED certification for all Canadian stores opening in 2013. The stores feature bright lighting, wide aisles and colourful signing, as well as a 'racetrack' aisle that helps guests shop around the store efficiently.

Watch for the grand opening in May, 2013.