Tag Archives: opportunity

Changes on Main Street – possible new opportUNITY

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Main Street in the Unity downtown has seen many businesses come and go over the years. From furniture stores and ladies’ dress shops years ago to the loss of Ultra Sports, Ridgeline Engineering and Jig’s Variety Store last year, business closures are generally a sad event for the community, the town and the customers.

On the other side of the coin, when an empty downtown building is filled with a new business, it creates optimism for everyone – the new business owners, the town, residents and even surrounding businesses. Last year, we saw Special Event Rentals, Crossfit Lair and Wildeman Sports Excellence all take up space and open their doors on Main Street. Just off Main Street, Family Foods also opened last year.

Lindsey Deroo

Along with other changes on Main Street in Unity, Saskatchewan, this former ladies’ wear shop is now a fitness facility. Lindsey Deroo opened up Crossfit Lair in May of last year, 2013.

There is still room for new business on Main Street and Sister’s Flowers will be closing soon, creating another vacancy. Of course Main Street is not the only place to have a business, as the opening of Family Foods proved, and there is other space available in town too.

The town’s economic development officer, Carey Baker, has done some research into potential businesses, businesses which do not currently exist in Unity. One business he believes would be a wonderful addition to the town and surrounding area is a family entertainment centre.

The family entertainment centre concept he has looked at is a mixed bowling and indoor playground facility, with two to four lanes of contemporary bowling, including electronic scorekeeping and glow in the dark options, and an indoor playground, such as might be found at some Burger King and McDonald’s venues, as well as a lounge and concession area.

Daycares, seniors, families, special needs, schools and special event parties would be some of the potential users of such a facility.

Baker has done some preliminary work on a business proposal for a family entertainment centre and would like to speak to people who might be interested in looking at this particular opportunity. In an email, he says this business “is one that I am particularly interested in and believe would be a great addition to the region. I cannot state specifically that the Family Centre is feasible, but would be happy to provide the information I have gathered, contacts, etc., and would assist interested individual(s) to further the study of its feasibility.”

Whether you would like to look at the details on the family entertainment centre or simply want more information in general about opening a new business in Unity, Baker can be contacted at the town office, 306-228-2621 or online at unity.economic@sasktel.net.

Unity’s Chamber of Commerce

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OpportUNITY … it’s waiting for you.

With this great slogan, a partnership began between the Unity and District Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Unity.Unity, Saskatchewan

  • Billboards
  • Radio ads
  • A video blog
  • Newspaper ads
  • Online advertising
  • Appearances at trade shows

They all worked together to raise the profile of Unity throughout the province. In 2011, the campaign resulted in former Rider Scott Schultz coming to our community for his video blog, Global TV showcasing our town on provincial television and an award from the Saskatchewan Economic Development Association.

There is still opportUNITY in Unity as witnessed by the Chamber officially welcoming new businesses to the business community on a regular basis. New businesses receive their first year’s membership to the Unity and District Chamber of Commerce free of charge and are featured in a newspaper writeup.

New businesses and existing businesses in growth mode need employees. There is plenty of job opportUNITY in Unity, and the Chamber also welcomes new residents with a “welcome wagon” type bag. Newcomers feel appreciated at the same time as local businesses are promoted by information and/or samples being included in the gift bags.

Business and commUNITY — celebrating together

Unity & District Agricultural Society

Irene Lacoursiere, Joan Sperle and Elaine Sperle represented the Unity & District Agricultural Society at Celebrate Unity 2013. The society was recognized for 102 years of hosting events such as the annual fall fair and trade show.

The Unity Chamber of Commerce further recognizes the opportUNITY each year at its Celebrate Unity event which acknowledges new businesses, celebrates business milestone anniversaries, recognizes commUNITY initiatives such as hosting of provincial sporting events, introduces new owners and managers to the community and congratulates individuals who have provided exemplary business or public service. The celebratory evening includes a catered supper and unique entertainment each year, such as the a capella singing group Hoja in 2013.

Clark Ubell, Jaron Bearing

Kelly McLellan, left, congratulates Clark Ubell of Jaron Bearing and Hydraulic (1998) Ltd. on being recognized for the exemplary service he provides to customers. In his nomination letter, Kelly said, “So, for the farmer who has gotten his grain in the bins before the frost. For the trucker who has his truck safely on the road again. For the grader operator who keeps our streets and roads clear. For the mechanic who fixes the school buses our children ride in every day. For the town foreman who keeps things running without a hitch. And for the welder who needs to keep his business running smoothly to support his family. … Thank you.”

Stay tuned for details on Celebrate Unity 2014. And if you know of a business celebrating a special anniversary or of someone who provides business or community service “above and beyond,” please let us know! (You can comment below or talk to any member of the executive.)

For more on what the Chamber does, including sponsoring and organizing Santa Day, lobbying local and provincial government, promoting member businesses, life and disability insurance, training opportunities, Canada Day activities and the Western Days downtown barbecue, see http://unitystories.com/chamber-of-commerce/. For Chamber contact information, visit http://unitystories.com/chamber-of-commerce/contact-the-chamber/.