As we reach the halfway point of 2018, the City of Airdrie is looking back on the past six months, especially in the world of business. 

Team Lead for Airdrie Economic Development, Kent Rupert said that the city has seen many businesses start up so far this year.

A new business is almost ready in Cooperstown Promenade

“We’re pretty happy with how the new businesses are coming in. At the end of June, we had about 218 new businesses come into the market. That includes storefronts, industrial, home-based businesses and out of town businesses.”

Rupert is looking forward to other businesses starting in the second half of the year, including an expansion at the Superstore and many businesses planned for Sierra Springs and Cooperstown Promenade.

While retail business is doing very well in the city, Rupert said the Industrial sector hasn’t seen as big of a growth.

“We’re still seeing some activity in there which is great. Compared to three or four years ago, we have seen the numbers drop a little bit. I think a lot of that is investor confidence not only in Alberta but also investor confidence in Canada.”

While there is always talk about new taxes and the strain it causes for businesses, Rupert said that’s not a major concern in Airdrie and the recent Business Satisfaction Survey shows that.

According to the survey, 50% of businesses expect to grow in the next year while 76% say they’ll maintain or hire new staff.

“Yes, I think there’s a definite frustration with all the new taxes and that coming in,” said Rupert. “I think over time, it just becomes part of your business operations.”

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