Community Futures still on the table

Community Futures doesn’t appear to be in the business of taking “no” for an answer.

During their regular meeting on March 25, the Municipal District of Taber council accepted for information a letter sent to the Town of Taber council and forwarded to the M.D. by Community Futures Board Chair Harry Prummel.

It regarded a recent decision by the town not to pursue a proposed partnership to create a shared Economic Development Officer position.

At the time, M.D. council was confused by the decision as they had only requested information on what such a position might entail.

The letter indicated Community Futures would like to receive clarification at a future town council meeting regarding “council’s lack of support for this collaborative economic development effort.”

According to the letter, Community Futures’ main concern is that council was not fully informed regarding “the benefits of (the) proposal,” and that a combined effort between the town, the M.D., and Community Futures Chinook would generate greater results than each entity working separately.

In addition to bringing expertise and knowledge, Community Futures also has the ability to fund half of the overall cost of an Economic Development Officer position.

Community Futures is a federally-funded organization which facilitates economic development by working within communities to aid in rural economic growth, provide small business loans, and provide small business coaching, planning, and development.

Small business development is vital in rural Alberta to the communities who depend on them for services, jobs, and by adding cash to local economies.