Alberta Entrepreneurs: Open New Doors!
Community Futures and ATB Financial proudly announce a partnership to support local business through the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge business planning competition. Now in its 8th year, this is a great opportunity for businesses to obtain free training on building a sustainable business plan and in the end possibly winning the grand prize of $10,000 cash plus numerous in-kind prizes. What an incentive to invest in your future and kick off 2012!
“Community Futures is thrilled to have ATB Financial come on as a platinum sponsor this year. They are a perfect partner for this competition – our mandates are both focused on supporting rural Alberta through our small and medium sized businesses” says Darlene Sinclair, General Manager of Community Futures Lethbridge Region. “One of the fundamental pillars of entrepreneurial success is a solid understanding of all aspects of managing and owning a business. The CEC program covers everything needed in developing a sustainable business plan. The odds of winning $10,000 to invest in your business and your future are amazing.”

Family Day is on February 20th, and all over the province Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programs are encouraging families to “unplug” to promote families spending time together. Kneehill Regional FCSS is asking everyone to disconnect from technology and connect with themselves, family and community for the day.

Research has found that 73% of kids would rather play with their parents than watch TV or use the internet; teens who have more than three family dinners per week are more likely to get better grades; older adults who visit with friends and family have a higher health-related quality of life and particularly better mental health; and residents in connected neighborhoods have a greater quality of life.

Let’s all “Disconnect to Connect” on February 20th. Watch for more information and events in upcoming editions of the Capital.

Now that the snow has arrived with a vengeance we ask that the residents of the village take some proactive steps to help our Public Works department clear the snow more efficiently.

• Whenever possible, park your vehicles off the roadway to allow for the plows to clear as much snow as possible.
• Ensure that no vehicles are left on the street for more than 72 hours, as they could be towed, and it impedes the snow removal process
• Try to shovel as much snow from your sidewalk onto your lawn as possible.
• Be a snow angel and help those that are unable to shovel their own snow, it will be appreciated.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact the village office at 403-546-3888.
Check back here often, for any updates or changes.

The new fountain in the Coulee Park was generously donated by Encana.

Pelicans in our Lagoon

How can a relatively small community lay claim to this title?
Consider the following:

• A population of 741 (Municipal Census - May 13th, 2008)
• A workforce of over 300
• A yearly sales projection of over fifty million*
• An annual payroll over seven million*
• A highly developed manufacturing base
• Home to agricultural based businesses such as the feed mill, dairy farm, truck & farm equipment supply, construction companies and more!
• A diverse network of businesses meeting the needs of the farming community.

*(figures based on 1993 survey by Chamber of Commerce)

Linden is a beautiful and safe place to raise a family. The friendly community involved Village is home to 741 residents (Municipal Census - May 13th, 2008). The natural coulée that bisects the Village offers a picturesque view and is home to geese, deer, herons and wild flowers.

Linden was incorporated into a Village in 1964 with 264 residents. Now with a population of 741, Linden readily works with the growing community to maintain its vision of meeting the needs of residents and business owners and attracting new, diverse businesses. One of the Village Councils beliefs is that Linden's concerns do not end at our Village boundaries; we cannot survive without the support of the rural residents and they depend on us for our services.