Airdrie’s new Economic Development Team Leader says there’s plenty of excitement ahead for Airdrie and the local business community.

Sara Chamberlain took on the new role in the department last month. She will celebrate her 13th anniversary working with the City of Airdrie this coming May.

Chamberlain has a background in communications and economic development. She moved to Airdrie in 2006 and has spent more than a decade working as an Economic Development Officer with the City. She says she’s seen quite a change in the local business landscape over the years.

"Really that evolution from a place that offered limited products and services, to now a community that offers everything that our residents need to go about their daily lives,” says Chamberlain. “In terms of trends, I've certainly seen lots of new, independent, niche businesses start up in Airdrie which is really exciting for our businesses and for our residents.”

In 2007, Chamberlain says Airdrie had approximately 450 businesses. That has more than quadrupled in Chamberlain’s time with the City, with about 2,000 businesses currently operating in Airdrie.

"I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that the last few years have been challenging for businesses in Airdrie and in Alberta,” says Chamberlain. “So that's certainly something that our community is facing right now, the tough economic conditions that businesses are trying to successfully operate under.”

While 2019 saw a number of Airdrie businesses close their doors, Chamberlain says there has not been an increase in the number of business closures in the city. She says Airdrie is on trend with the national statistics for business closures.

"Certainly in 2019 we did see some prominent and loved businesses in Airdrie close,” says Chamberlains. “We do though know, looking at our statistics, that almost 50 per cent of businesses do fail within the first five years. Each year in Airdrie we do see businesses close for a variety of reasons and 2019 wasn't much different than the two years prior.”

Even so, Chamberlain says it’s heartbreaking when an entrepreneur closes their business.

"We never want to see that happen, but the reality is that everyone who starts a business takes a huge risk and there are going to be businesses that close," she says.

Looking ahead to 2020 and beyond, Chamberlain says the economic climate will continue to be a challenge but that new businesses continue to open in Airdrie and she points to Kings Heights and Sierra Springs as examples of continued commercial development in the city.

"We're still seeing businesses choose to locate in Airdrie which is really promising and exciting," says Chamberlain. “We continue to evolve and grow. We have a passionate group of residents here who truly love this community. We have a very supportive business environment. It is still a great place for new businesses to locate and I think Airdrie is going to continue to change and grow through 2020 and into the future. Our growth has definitely slowed, we acknowledge that, but we are still seeing new businesses come every month and we’re seeing lots of entrepreneurs with amazing ideas come to Airdrie and that’s what’s going to keep our economy healthy and sustainable.”

Chamberlain says she is thrilled to take the reins as Economic Development Team Leader with the City of Airdrie and credits her team of six who she says are highly regarded across the province for their work. She says their focus will continue to be on building positive relationships with the local business community.

“Ensuring that we have a supportive business environment so that we have a healthy economy and we need all of that so that residents have products and services close to home and that they have jobs and that we have a balanced tax base,” says Chamberlain.

Other priorities for the City of Airdrie’s Economic Development Team include the revitalization of the downtown, enhancing customer service for business, and they plan to finalize and launch a business mentorship program next year aimed at helping businesses grow and get to the next level.

"We want Airdrie to be a place that is easy and friendly and welcoming to do business,” Chamberlain says.

To read more about Chamberlain and her role with the City of Airdrie, click HERE.

 

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