ECHO Lacombe Association recently announced a new fund to support small businesses that are dealing with acts of vandalism.
“We have heard that vandalism is an issue for many of our small businesses,” said ECHO Lacombe Association President Drayton Bussiere. “Broken windows can mean that a business is unable to open its doors for the day.
“We felt we had the capacity to help ease this burden for those local businesses that are helping us contribute to the community as either Echo Energy customers or Placemaker participants.”
The funds will assist those dealing with vandalism and will go into effect immediately.
“I don’t want vandalism to slow me down,” said local business owner Rieley Kay. “This fund is really going to help businesses that face these issues from time to time.”
The fund will provide immediate financial support and is in the form of a grant and zero-interest loans that can be repaid once insurance money is recouped.
“This group is here to help,” said Bussiere. “In addition to this opportunity we are helping to improve downtown storefronts and advancing business collaboration efforts.”
ECHO Lacombe also recently launched the Placemaker Loyalty Rewards program in November, where customers earn points and rewards for shopping local.
The ECHO Lacombe Association includes representation from the City of Lacombe, Burman University and the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce — as well as six other community members.
The groups mission is to improve the quality of life within Lacombe by fostering collaboration and encouraging innovation in a business-friendly environment.
More information on ECHO, you can log on to echolacombe.ca or by contacting Guy Lapointe at 403 782 1263, or by email at glapointe@lacombe.ca.
-Submitted by the ECHO Lacombe Association