A celebration of Small Business Week

Times Contributor

 

To work at full potential in the competitive world of supply and demand, Community Futures Wild Rose in partnership with Strathmore & District Chamber of Commerce celebrated Small Business Week, Oct 17-21. Together they emphasizing that contrasting communication styles within the workplace can be a great tool to maximize profits. The variant mindsets of the company’s employees should be embraced, rather than be viewed a barrier to productivity. 

To get the message across, the partnership has brought in nationally known and respected speaker, Dan Ohler, who uses his humorous nature and insight to enlighten businesses on how to recruit the best working team, reduce conflict, minimize staff turnovers and motivate the workplace. 

The workshop was held at the Days Inn Strathmore on Tuesday Oct. 18 from 7-8:45 a.m.  The number of patrons was limited to ensure that those in attendance, including guests from larger regional employers as well as smaller municipal businesses, could fully take advantage of the workshop and be given the freedom to ask questions and gain understanding.

“At the end of the day, we want the focus to be on how businesses can really boost their productivity, and impact their bottom line (and) be able to walk away with some tools. They will get a workbook and some resources that they can take home,” said Jennifer Brooks from Community Futures Wild Rose. 

Every year, Small Business Week presents a different theme. This year’s theme is ‘Power Up Your Business. Invest. Innovate. Grow’. 

“We try to bring in at least one professional development opportunity to the region. This year we focused on bringing Dan in to host a workshop, and in the future, depending on the interest and needs of our business community, that may change,” said Brooks. 

Dan Ohler comes with an impressive client listing, having worked with organizations like Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Grant MacEwan College, Canadian Cancer Society, United Farmers of Alberta as well as many other county community associations.

“He comes highly recommended from other colleagues and other professionals so we (looked) forward to a really interactive and informative event,” said Brooks.