What London Drugs grand opening told me about Airdrie

By Kent Rupert

One of the great things about working in economic development is attending grand openings for new businesses in Airdrie.  It’s a fantastic way to welcome new businesses and learn about their company and reasons for choosing Airdrie.

London Drugs opened in Airdrie this week – its 77^th location.  There were three significant details I took away from the opening:

·         London Drugs management loves Airdrie! They spoke about the warm welcome they received from the Airdrie business community and how progressive the City is in many areas including recycling and business development.  That’s a great compliment from a company with stores across Western Canada.

·         The store has positions for 85 staff. By the time of the grand opening, they had already secured 79 employees. That speaks to the labour pool in Airdrie.  We hear lots in the media about staffing shortages, however Airdrie demonstrates time and time again that our young and growing population is ready and able to work.

·         The Airdrie location is a “concept” store. That means the corporation has brought together all of its successful new design concepts and services, which have been tested individually in other stores, into one location. And they chose Airdrie to launch their new concept store!  I believe that’s a reflection on the modern, dynamic small city we are.

Welcome to the management and staff of London Drugs Airdrie!


Alderman Ron Chapman (middle) cutting the ribbon
with the London Drugs management team.

Watch for a full profile of this new business in our November issue of Airdrie@Work.

For more pictures from the opening, visit DiscoverAirdrie.com.



Just another example of Airdire's fantastic business community

By Sara Chamberlain

You know that feeling when you walk in a room and you can just feel the energy?  That’s how I felt at Connect for Success: Small Business Expo on Tuesday.

Our team was so pleased to play a part in organizing this brand new event (it was put on by the Airdrie Business Resource Partnership – we’re one of three members).  As an organizer, it’s so satisfying to see people come and enjoy your event, which dozens of them did. 


A kayak?!?!
Nolin Veillard with TRAK  Kayaks shared
 more than his marketing tips. We got to see
how to set up a folding kayak in under
10 minutes.

But maybe even more satisfying is picking up the phone and asking local business owners to take part in the event.  And they all happily said “yes,” without a moment’s hesitation.

This event relied heavily on those people -- from the Experts who volunteered their precious time for our new brand Ask an Expert Program to the great exhibitors who stood behind tables for four hours to the wonderful businesses owners who passionately shared their success stories.  

Hats off (and a huge thank you!) to these business people who made the event a true success:

Ask an Airdrie Expert Volunteers


• Kristen Reid and Jim Hassett, Hassett & Reid LLP
• Ken Wylie, Ken Wylie Professional Corporation
• Ausha James, RBC Royal Bank
• Diane King, CA
• Shelley Bitz, Scotiabank
• Bruce Tannas, Community Futures Centre West
• Jim Padgett, Padgett Business Services 

Sharing Local Successes Roundtable Presenters

• Joan Bell, Airdrie Yoga & Fitness
• Tamara Laschnisky, Natural e Green
• Donna BeBault, Zebra Account & Tax
• Sandi Christensen, Goodmen Roofing
• Nolin Veillard, TRAK Kayaks
• Chris Mulders, Airdrie 360
• Debi McLeod, The Avenue Cakery & Bakeshoppe (who brought amazing treats for everyone to try!)

Professional Business Exhibitors

• Bryan Muir, Certified Financial Planner
• Ursula Wittner, Shift Action Coaching
• Derek Stamp, Rocky View Benefits Inc.
• Angela Archer & team, Airdrie Registry
• Janice Palmer, Airdrie Web Design

Tamara Laschinsky & Joan Bell shared their expertised in
the Know Your Customer! session.



The Resource Fair in Cam Clark Ford's lovely new showroom.
What a great facility to host this event!