The City of Wetaskiwin’s economic development department has partnered with the Leduc and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce to develop a strategy to help the local economy following the pandemic.
The focus will be on building resiliency within the local economy.
Candace Coughlan, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Wetaskiwin, presented the department’s Economic Disaster Mitigation and Business Resilience Strategy to Wetaskiwin City Council last week. The plan received unanimous support from Council.
“The strategy is a multi-tiered approach focusing on communication, outreach to our businesses, providing supports at a local level, and preparing for what comes post-pandemic,” explains Coughlan. “We’re calling every business in the community as a check-in. We want to see what their needs are and hope to provide information about resources available at local, regional, provincial and federal levels.”
The City of Wetaskiwin reached out to local businesses to find out more about their concerns and needs following the creation of an online business resource center. The Leduc and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce is also providing information on available supports to the business community as well as connecting them to resources during the pandemic.
“First, we commend the businesses for doing their best as they navigate these uncertain times. We are working to ensure businesses have new information, support, and resources,” explains Jennifer Garries, Executive Director of the Leduc and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We continue to update our website, send resource emails, and hold weekly Business Q&A webinars with experts.”
More information on businesses that are still open and adapting their business in how they serve the community can be found on the Chamber’s Open for Business webpage.
To learn more about Wetaskiwin’s supports for local businesses including tips to help businesses build resiliency, visit the City of Wetaskiwin online at covidwetaskiwin.ca.