It's small business week in High River and around the Province.

High River's Economic Development Officer Jodi Dawson, says local businesses continue to face challenges, but are bouncing back nicely from both the flood and a sluggish economy.

"Things are good. I think our economy, in a bigger picture, probably has been challenging for everyone in Alberta. But when I look at our community and see what percentage of our businesses continued operating after what we endured in 2013, we can get through anything. And our business owners have showed that."

Dawson, points to the recently released "Vital Signs" survey that some work needs to be done by retailers to keep customers shopping locally.

"Definitely there are people that are leaving town for items that can be purchased here. So, that's an invitation to consumers to think "High River First." And it's also an invitation to business owners to business owners to ask themselves, could we be doing more to make sure people know we're here?"

The survey shows things like clothing and shoes aren't as easily available in High River as in other spots, like Okotoks.

High River Chamber of Commerce President, Steven Muth, calls it the "Wal-Mart Effect."

However, both agree that's something that could be addressed by existing businesses, or by someone using that information to "fill the need" and launch a new business.

 

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