What I love about small Alberta communities is the cozy shops and pretty storefronts. At times when I see only a few shops I wonder what business opportunities could surface. I imagine that some community residents in rural areas yearn for a gas station, a gift shop, or some other small business that would add vitality, variety, and convenience to the community. So, why does this not happen? Or why do existing small businesses in rural communities fail?
At times, communities view private businesses as only beneficial to the owner. However, there are benefits to the community from local businesses such as employment; an increase in available goods and services; diversification in the economic base; dollars going back into the local economy; and an attraction of amenities to new and existing residents. Sometimes, a local business in a rural community can be an informal meeting place for residents, or a “hub”. In essence, small businesses in rural communities can increase some aspects of quality of life.
Local business owners sometimes need assistance to be successful. Patronizing a business is not always enough. At times local business owners may need assistance in writing a business plan, marketing strategies, tips on how to be innovative, and so forth. This does not mean that the business owner lacks business sense, but needs some support to strengthen their business skills. Where no Chamber of Commerce exists, developing a formal or informal business network within a region could assist local entrepreneurs. Drawing upon the local expertise in this manner builds collaboration in regions and communities, not competition.
On the other hand, local entrepreneurs need to be encouraged to begin new ventures. Sometimes the talent and business minds are already within the community, and this means new businesses do not always have to come from outside a community. Creating an atmosphere where local entrepreneurs feel welcomed and supported can go a long way.
There are several innovative ways to start, build, and maintain a business. The foundation lies within local support, collaboration, networking, and a willingness to go outside the box. Maybe develop a food co-op or have local residents invest $500 into the business and pay dividends. Partnerships in business can be very diverse and do not need to always be traditional.
So, as I continue to travel and explore rural Alberta I will keep my eye out for those small, unique and cozy shops. I will look for the friendliness of rural hospitality and go away with another grateful thought about why I love rural communities.
Note: Some of the ideas were adapted from Kinsley, M. (n.d.). RMI's Economic Renewal Program: An Introduction. Rocky Mountain Institute.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Travelling “Flat Shawn”
A grade seven Social Studies student from Manitoba known by the name “Flat Shawn” made it into my lunch conversation the other day. A friend was visiting and mentioned how a student from her home town mailed a package with instructions about “his travelling flat self”.
The package included a picture of a 12 year old boy, a letter, and a journal indicating that the Social Studies teacher wanted students to learn more about how other people live, work, and play. The students and teacher discussed possibilities, budget, and so on. A field trip and time off school was not permitted, so it was decided that students would travel via Canada Post to a friend. Students had a picture taken of each of them, wrote a letter to the recipient, and mailed a package with journal pages. The premise is that the recipient would take the “Flat Student” along to daily activities and include the “Flat Student” as much as possible. It was encouraged that the recipient take pictures, write in the journal, email updates, and send a post card to the “Flat Student”. During this time, the student would record the “journey” in a personal journal and incorporate the recipient’s journal at a particular deadline.
“Flat Shawn” has had some interesting and engaging experiences since being in my friend’s life. “Flat Shawn” received special work clothes, a hard hat, a visitor’s pass, many photo-ops, and soon a trip to the Caribbean. Maybe I will trade places! She mentioned how colleagues became very enthusiastic, involved, and engaged in “Flat Shawn’s” journey. The level of participation and interest was contagious and many of the colleagues gave suggestions on how “Flat Shawn” could be more active and involved. It is fascinating to hear how this piece of cardboard has evoked such an alliance between colleagues.
Hearing this story promoted my thoughts about how to incorporate a “Flat Shawn” into the Active, Creative, Engaged (ACE) Communities Team that I am a part of. At times, I have wondered how to be enthusiastic, uplifting, and generate “spirit” in an environment where most people work from a home office and are scattered across the province of Alberta and beyond. Most team members communicate through emails and phone calls because of the distance between one another. This distance means that most typical office interactions where someone brings in a birthday cake, shares funny stories, and so on do not occur. Often those office interactions between colleagues can breed enthusiasm, spirit, and keep people going throughout the day.
“Flat Shawn” will be introduced during the next teleconference. Perhaps we can create our own “Flat Shawn” or ACE Mascot. We could make a flat mascot as a cardboard stand-up; mail it to each team member, and who knows from there? Being part of team that focuses on supporting rural communities, leaders, and residents to be active, creative, and engaged could evoke interesting results. Who knows where a travelling “Flat Shawn” could go with the ACE team. Our team is already quite creative, spirited, and energetic so the results could be VERY engaging! Stay posted!
The package included a picture of a 12 year old boy, a letter, and a journal indicating that the Social Studies teacher wanted students to learn more about how other people live, work, and play. The students and teacher discussed possibilities, budget, and so on. A field trip and time off school was not permitted, so it was decided that students would travel via Canada Post to a friend. Students had a picture taken of each of them, wrote a letter to the recipient, and mailed a package with journal pages. The premise is that the recipient would take the “Flat Student” along to daily activities and include the “Flat Student” as much as possible. It was encouraged that the recipient take pictures, write in the journal, email updates, and send a post card to the “Flat Student”. During this time, the student would record the “journey” in a personal journal and incorporate the recipient’s journal at a particular deadline.
“Flat Shawn” has had some interesting and engaging experiences since being in my friend’s life. “Flat Shawn” received special work clothes, a hard hat, a visitor’s pass, many photo-ops, and soon a trip to the Caribbean. Maybe I will trade places! She mentioned how colleagues became very enthusiastic, involved, and engaged in “Flat Shawn’s” journey. The level of participation and interest was contagious and many of the colleagues gave suggestions on how “Flat Shawn” could be more active and involved. It is fascinating to hear how this piece of cardboard has evoked such an alliance between colleagues.
Hearing this story promoted my thoughts about how to incorporate a “Flat Shawn” into the Active, Creative, Engaged (ACE) Communities Team that I am a part of. At times, I have wondered how to be enthusiastic, uplifting, and generate “spirit” in an environment where most people work from a home office and are scattered across the province of Alberta and beyond. Most team members communicate through emails and phone calls because of the distance between one another. This distance means that most typical office interactions where someone brings in a birthday cake, shares funny stories, and so on do not occur. Often those office interactions between colleagues can breed enthusiasm, spirit, and keep people going throughout the day.
“Flat Shawn” will be introduced during the next teleconference. Perhaps we can create our own “Flat Shawn” or ACE Mascot. We could make a flat mascot as a cardboard stand-up; mail it to each team member, and who knows from there? Being part of team that focuses on supporting rural communities, leaders, and residents to be active, creative, and engaged could evoke interesting results. Who knows where a travelling “Flat Shawn” could go with the ACE team. Our team is already quite creative, spirited, and energetic so the results could be VERY engaging! Stay posted!
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