Lacombe may be a small city in size, but it is big in ambition and local talent.
There are a number of special businesses and organizations in the area that have helped to carve out the unique identity of the City.
For example, in the downtown core alone, there are a number of local shops and small business owners who work together to promote each other’s businesses, initiatives and to share information amongst each other.
This kind of positive relationship among businesses creates an atmosphere where new owners are wanting to come in, which drives the economy and helps to build up the City as a whole.
As well, the unique ideas and characters of the downtown core in turn provide a better atmosphere for citizens and visitors, as they are more able to enjoy their local offerings.
Outside of the downtown core, there are still other business owners that continue to bring new and exciting opportunities to the City, and are helping to ‘up’ the profile of our small Central Alberta community.
However, it isn’t the businesses alone that are helping Lacombe grow.
Take Lacombe Tourism for example.
The ladies of Lacombe Tourism work hard each and every day to come up with innovative, fun and exciting ways to draw people to the City.
Lacombe Tourism not only comes up with new ideas, but plays a large role in supporting and promoting the existing services and opportunities here in the community.
Years ago, the idea of a Coors Banquet Concert coming to the City might have been just that - an idea.
However, last year, that idea was brought to fruition by the hard work of many community members, with dedication shown throughout the municipality as people came together to vote, vote and vote again to bring the concert to Lacombe.
When all of the local groups in town come together, amazing things happen.
For example, this year, for Canada 150, there are many plans already being put together to bring a huge celebration to the City.
This is the result of organizations, businesses and associations working together to try and deliver something amazing for our citizens to enjoy.
If you still aren’t sold, think about all of the community kindness and “giving back” that happens within Lacombe.
From businesses to schools, non-profit groups to big-name organizations, there are partnerships all around the City that are working together.
This happens in fundraising events, partnerships, sponsorships and acts of mutual benefit, big or small.
It seems that every week or month there is a person, team or business looking to support another person, team or business in the area. All of these positive connections have only helped to build Lacombe up exponentially over the past years.
The personal and professional relationships often overlap as friends and colleagues work together to try and offer bigger, better services.
In recognizing all of this, there is a lesson to be learned: healthy competition spurs better relationships, and lifts up all parties.
When considering how to build up your own business or organization, re-frame your question from, “How can this person help me” to “How can I help that person.”
This approach builds a trusting relationship where people can openly work together to improve and assist in recognizing each other’s needs.
By taking part in the community, considering the needs of our neighbours, and looking to build each other up, Lacombe has created a community of change.
In order to continue this development of Lacombe, one must look outside the walls of their own establishments, homes, parishes or other groups and look to see how they can continue to connect with and build up those around them.
This is what makes Lacombe a truly beautiful place to live.