Economic update highlights Q2 successes

Chestermere City Council received the quarterly economic update for the second quarter of 2018 at the Sept. 4 council meeting.
City of Chestermere Manager of Economic Development, Catherine Proulx said that two of the highlights of the quarter, which spans from April to June, are Lemonade Day and Taste of Chestermere.
“Lemonade Day because it was our third year and it was a really big success,” said Proulx, “I think we’re starting to see it get traction now.”
What is exciting about the success of Lemonade Day is that with the continued interest each year, a youth led mentorship program will be able to be introduced within the next few years.
“We’re probably going to be able to launch a mentorship program with the older kids mentoring the younger kids,” she said.
“So that’s kind of neat,” said Proulx.
The other big event of the quarter was the inaugural Taste of Chestermere which was held during the Canada Day celebrations.
“It was so well received,” said Proulx.
The 10 participating businesses received a huge amount of exposure at the event with 2675 tickets sold, more than double the event planner’s goal of 1000.
“The businesses that participated really got a lot of value out of it,” said Proulx.
From the economic development standpoint, Proulx said that not only was Taste of Chestermere successful in supporting the local business community but it promotes the city as business frienldy and a good place to open a business.
“I think its important that people see that we can do these sort of things,” she said, “its great for the community its great for the businesses.”
Other highlights from the spring include work on a Business Retention and Expansion plan, continued work to attract investment in the community, and participation by Economic Development in the planning for the legalization recreational cannabis this October.
As part of the Business Retention and Expansion plan, the city has applied for its first economic development grant, the CARES Grant.
According to the report presented in council, the grant is for about $45,000 and if the application is successful will be used to fund the Business Retention and Expansion plan as well as the City’s marketing programming for the rest of 2018 and winter 2019.
The result of the grant application is expected to be announced this month.
The complete economic report can be viewed online in the Sept. 4 Agenda package on the city website, www.chestermere.ca.