Business
Government’s return to stage 1 a huge blow to businesses – Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
The Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce shares the business community’s disappointment with the Government of Alberta’s decision to revert back to phase 1 and fundamentally shift the goal posts, parameters and trigger points of the relaunch strategy.
When first introduced, the phased plan was a welcome addition for the certainty it provided and businesses ability to plan based on public data relating to hospitalizations and ICU capacity. Unfortunately, when phase 2 was modified despite hospitalizations being well below the target, business owners felt misled, betrayed and lacking confidence in government plans. These feelings were exemplified with the postponement of phase 3 along with the April 6 announcement that represented a structural change in the plan.
Chamber CEO Rick More commented on the latest announcement: “Businesses do not turn on and off like a light switch. Operators and owners must have adequate staffing, inventory and so on. For the government to ‘switch-off’ a big portion of our hospitality industry is a devastating blow to weakened industries that made significant investments and adaptations to operate in a safe manner.”
Working with local businesses and the Alberta Hospitality Association, the Chamber sent a letter to the Premier and members of the Emergency Cabinet Committee advocating for the government to create a plan that enables a sustainable business-led recovery with better communication and a focus on risk-mitigation and safe-as-possible operation – not additional restrictions. A full copy of the letter can be found here.
More continued, “this step backwards is clearly a huge blow to business confidence and hope for a sooner than later economic recovery. Neither government nor effected businesses retain the fiscal capacity to survive these types of restrictions. Additional and ongoing supports are required from the provincial and federal governments to assist in the survival of businesses effected by restrictions. On a local level we are continuing discussions with the City of Red Deer and pressing the urgency of measures they can take on a local level to alleviate the financial stress and help our local businesses.”
The Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan, collaborative leader in building a vibrant community and fosters an environment where businesses can lead, be innovative, sustainable, and grow.
This week, we shine our ‘Business Spotlight’ on Barber Shop on Gaetz. Did you know Barber Shop on Gaetz holds the title of being the longest-running barbershop in Red Deer? Originally opening in 1947, this unique shop has been operating under Selene Fraser for the past 11 years and has a very loyal clientele who have supported the Shop even through a temporary relocation following a fire. You can find them in the basement of Evergreen Massage right next to the Club Café until they are able to return to their regular location. Selene would like her clients to know that she’s happy to go mobile for any clients that are unable to access the basement. Read on to learn more!
What is your business?
We are Barber Shop on Gaetz.
When did your business open?
The business originally opened in 1947 and I am the 8th owner, operating for 11 years now.
What makes your business unique?
The customers! We have the best customers and I’m not kidding – I say that every time. I’ve worked in so many shops in my career, I’ve been doing hair for 35 + years and I’ve had the most fun here. Not because I own the place, it’s the people that make it great.
What are some products/services that you offer?
We offer full services for men including hot shaves, colors, and highlights although we don’t do a lot of those. We do a lot of hot shaves. As for products, we offer the Maverick line, Crew line, Carina Organics line, beard oils, anything to do with shaving we supply. Ladies and children’s cuts are also available.
Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?
I knew a lady who worked here years before. It was a busy little shop with old-timers and farmers. The entire rural community knew about it because 50th Ave was the main road through town. This building has always been a barbershop. The history of it was one of the main reasons I chose the location. I like the downtown core, it’s diverse.
What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?
The people! The small businesses, the ‘mom & pop’ owned places and the cultural aspect.
I love Downtown Red Deer because… It’s central and it’s community. I like the little shops, businesses, and the friendly, non-judgemental, awesome community.
Barber Shop on Gaetz brings a definite charm to Downtown Red Deer. Its unique, friendly atmosphere is a real reason people keep returning! Selene and her team are leaders in their craft and care greatly for their Downtown community. Make sure to stop in for your next hair or beard service!
If you would like to see your Downtown business spotlighted, please contact us at 403-340-8696 or [email protected].
This week’s Business Spotlight shines on Ross Street Ice Cream Co., located at 4924 50 St on the Ross Street Patio. We caught up with Michael Ubbing during the heat wave to learn more!
What is your business?
Ross Street Ice Cream Co.!
When did you open?
When it was a lot cooler than this! A week before May long.
What would you say makes your business unique?
We have lots of dietary options! Lots of dairy free, gluten free cones, we have no sugar added ice cream, we have a special cooler to prevent any cross contamination and then we make what we call “Super Allergy Ice Cream”, which, if you are allergic to everything in the world, you’re probably not allergic to that ice cream!
What are some products/services that you offer?
We offer ice cream and ice cream accessories. Some of those accessories keep expanding including gourmet cotton candy, Saskatoon lemonade, soda floats with Mexican Jarritos pop, and we do banana splits now!
Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?
We chose Downtown Red Deer because its cheap!
What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?
Me, of course! I think Taco Loft makes it vibrant. The music scene makes it vibrant.
Finish this sentence: I love Downtown Red Deer because…
It’s the center to everything and accessible to everyone.
Ross Street Ice Cream Co. is the place to check out if you’re looking for a cool treat on a hot day! Follow them for updates:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossstreeticecream/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RossStreeticecream
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