November 16, 2023

Celebrate National Career Month!

The Town of Okotoks and MCG Careers are partnering this month to celebrate National Career Month. This partnership symbolizes a harmonious blend of local spirit and professional growth, echoing the Town's commitment to fostering meaningful career journeys.

Residents are eagerly engaging in a series of events and workshops developed by MCG Careers this month! These are designed to inspire, educate and empower individuals on their career paths. The collaborative effort aims to not only celebrate the diverse talent within Okotoks but also to provide valuable resources and guidance for those navigating their professional aspirations. Together, Okotoks and MCG Careers are lighting the way for a future where every resident can thrive in their chosen career, contributing to the community's collective success and prosperity.

MCG Careers, funded by the Government of Alberta, is a local Career and Employment Centre, located at Bay 3, 87 Elizabeth Street, that offers innovative career development, training and human resource/employment services at no cost. 

MCG Careers supports residents with exploring, identifying and meeting their career and employment goals. They support business owners by providing relevant labour market and employment standards information, opportunities to participate in individual hiring events and job fairs, connection to local job seekers, free job postings, and employer spotlights.

The dedicated team of Career and Employment Professionals are available and ready to assist!

Contact:
Ph: 403-995-4377
Email: okotoks@mcgcareers.com
www.mcgcareers.com

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30am-noon, 1-4:30pm

Learn more about what services are offered:

Services

Learn more about National Career Month: 

Career Month

Light Up Okotoks

Presented by Okotoks GM

Since 1992, Light Up Okotoks has been the kick-off celebration of the holiday season and the annual lighting of the community Christmas Tree. Join us on Friday, November 17 for festivities throughout the downtown core including wagon rides, warm fire pits, choir performances, late-night shopping, markets and so much more.

One of the biggest traditions, the lighting of the big tree, will happen at the Olde Towne plaza at 7 as well as the fireworks show finale at 9 p.m. at Lineham Park.

New this year will be access to the event by bus! Southland transportation will be available from the Foothills Centennial Centre and Seaman Stadium/Okotoks Dawgs to make getting to and from Light Up Okotoks a breeze! This service is completely free and will run continuously until 10:30pm.

Light Up Okotoks is a free event, however, we encourage you to bring a donation! The Okotoks Food Bank has partnered with the RCMP for the Cram-a-Cruiser drive, where locals can donate money and non-perishable items—located at the corner of Veterans Way and McRae Street. Also available is the Christmas Charity Truck collecting funds and toys in support of local children's charities located beside the Landmark Site (OKOTOKS letters).


Reminder: Road closures from 4-10pm on event day

Elizabeth Street, McRae Street, and North Railway Street from Northridge Drive to Lineham Avenue South Railway Street, East of Riverside Gate to Lineham Avenue

Learn more

National Women's Entrepreneur Day

Happy National Women's Entrepreneur Day! Recognized around the world, November 19 is a day to celebrate the contributions of women at all levels of the entrepreneurial ecosystem! Today, we're celebrating the brilliance and innovation of three phenomenal women entrepreneurs in Okotoks who are taking things to a whole new level! Learn all about their journey's by checking out the videos below! 

Mandy Best, Owner, Cactus Club Salon & Spa

Sherry Lindenback, Owner, 94 Take the Cake

Lisa Watts, Co-owner, Hub Town Brewing

Celebrate the achievements and wisdom of all incredible women who are changing the entrepreneurial landscape and who continue to inspire and empower us all.

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Reindeer Games Contest!

Reindeer Games Contest: November 20-December 15

'Tis the season to shop local and spread holiday cheer! Join us in supporting our wonderful local businesses and have a chance to win fantastic prizes!

How to Enter

Email Entries
During the contest period, November 20 - December 15 at 4:00pm, email your holiday shopping receipts (in jpeg or PDF format) along with your contact information (full name & phone number) to: ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca. Each valid receipt from a local Okotoks business counts as one entry.

There are chances for bonus entries if you shop on Shop Local Saturday (November 25) and if you share your local shopping experience on social media! 

Prizes include:

  • 4 individual prizes of $250 worth of gift cards from local Okotoks businesses will be drawn throughout the months of November and December. 
  • 1 Grand Prize of $500 worth of gift cards from local Okotoks businesses.

For all contest details, rules, draw dates & more, click below. Good luck! 

Learn More

New Business Listings

The Town of Okotoks is thrilled to welcome the following businesses to Town:

Storefront:
Macallum Martial Arts

Dollarama
K.LA Creates

Homebased:
Stel Productions
Eleven Eleven Wishes
Tech-All Electrical Inc.
4M HR Consulting
Monica's Needlework
Patrycja Musialowska
The Hearth and Stone Company
Erin Granson Immigration Consultant
Heaven's Edge Photography
Brow & Lash Beauty Bar
Okotoks Home Improvements
Level Up Plumbing Heating and Gas Inc.
Eximus Professional Services Inc.
The Sassy Gecko Clothing Co.
The Nail Art Diva
K.I.S.S. Custom Hauling Ltd.

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Business Success Stories

Economic Development is excited to give a shout out to Descrube Beauty Bar and Erin Granson Immigration Consultant!

Here is some of owner Daniela Reynolds interesting story! After relocating to Canada in her early 20s, Daniela started a family and followed her love of art, design, and the desire to highlight the beauty in women through professional esthetics.

For two years, she operated a successful bustling home studio, offering salon-quality services to members of her community while being able to be at home with her two young children.

Descubre Beauty Bar is a true reflection of Daniela’s dedication to her practice. Through continuing education, Daniela strives for excellence in both her technique and products, using only the very best supplies available for her clients.

Daniela’s inspiration comes from watching her clients light up at their beauty in the mirror after she has provided a service.

It is important to Daniela to give back, and along with her family, she plays an active role in Okotoks as a supporter of local charities and sports organizations.

Learn more about Daniela and her business story (and how your business can be featured!) by checking out www.okotoks.ca/business-success now!

Descubre Beauty Bar:
www.descubrebeauty.com/

Here is some of owner Erin Granson’s interesting story! This is my first year of being in business and it serves Okotoks and the Foothills and Calgary area. I am motivated at the possibility of using my legal knowledge, skills and experience to guide individuals through the immigration process which can feel very overwhelming and complex.

Since I am new to running my business, my biggest success to date would be successfully passing the Entry to Practice through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants in March 2022. This certified me to be able to practice as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant in March 2022.

Being from Okotoks makes me proud. I attended junior high and high school in Okotoks after my family moved here in 1994.

I earned my diploma from the Alberta High School of Fine Arts in 2000. Because my spouse and I were aware of Okotoks' unique qualities, we returned to Okotoks at the beginning of 2018 to start our own family.

Learn more about Erin and her business story (and how your business can be featured!) by checking out www.okotoks.ca/business-success now!


Erin Granson Immigration Consultant: 
www.gransonimmigration.ca

Want to get your business featured on the Town of Okotoks Success Stories Page?
Contact us today at: ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca!

New Initiatives

Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Program

One of the most exciting events for a business, whether new or existing is celebrating a grand opening, a new location or a recent expansion. 

Okotoks Economic Development is happy to assist with your event if your business:

  • Is within the first year of opening
  • Has recently moved to a new location
  • Has recently expanded or completed major remodeling

Learn more

2024 Okotoks Business and Community Profile - Advertising Opportunity

This publication encompasses valuable community information. Hosted by the Town of Okotoks, the collected fees contribute to the publication's development. The project's objective is to promote the community to potential business investors and visitors, while also offering useful insights for newcomers and residents interested in starting a business.

For your opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Okotoks Business and Community Profile, connect with TNC publishing today to secure your spot and take your business to new heights!

Contact:
Dale at 587-329-0582
dale@tncpublishing.com

Learn more

Did You Know?

Canada's culture jobs increased 11.0% to 634,431 in 2021!

Source: https://canadacouncil.ca/

 

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Events & More Information

There are lots of great events happening in and around Okotoks this fall, Learn more!

Community Events


Business webinars can help businesses thrive. They often focus on specific skills or topics relevant to your industry. Check out what's coming up!

Business Webinars


Interested in learning more about, or bidding on, procurement opportunities, find out more below!

Procurement Opportunities

Business Support Resources

We have compiled some resources that could be of interest or helpful to you as you do business in Okotoks.

There are numerous resources for small businesses to stimulate growth. Supports include loans, bursaries, financing, marketing, succession and other aids for small businesses - check it out below!

Learn more


Some government financial support programs to have a look at:

 Please Share!

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Submit your event

💡 Do you have ideas to make this newsletter more exciting or business-related topics you want to see? The Town would love to hear from you! Connect with us!

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