The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Not a single entrepreneur has expressed interest in joining the proposed Main St. mini mall, but organizers remain hopeful the project will see the light of day. Advertising began last week to find tenants for the lower level of the Co-op, the idea being that the businesses would enjoy new exposure and more shoppers would make their way uptown. See 'An' P.# Con't from P.# At yesterday's Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Friendship Centre, President Doug O'Brien expressed his disappointment at the lack of interest thus far, calling this "an excellent idea." He suggested Greenstone Community Futures Development Corp., the group behind the initiative, consider bringing some entrepreneurs together in the Co-op for a one-time farmer's market. This would give the entrepreneurs an opportunity to see firsthand the benefits of the location and hopefully prompt them to locate there permanently, O'Brien said. Greenstone general manager Lois (Bunny) Burke said the rental rates are reasonable and the one business already in the lower level of Co-op enjoys steady traffic. Chamber Vice-President Maureen Kozar expressed her surprise at the lack of enthusiasm in the mini mall, particularly with the Christmas shopping season just around the corner. Greenstone has sent letters to a number of business owners who showed interest in the concept when it was first proposed in June. About 11 people considered the idea at that time, Burke said, but none made the final commitment to set up shop. The plan would be to initially separate the different businesses with temporary walls, then, if the mini mall proves successful, look at a permanent setup. Here is a recap of other matters from the chamber meeting, attended by a dozen people: The members discussed the possibility of putting together a coupon book to help bring more customers through the doors of businesses. O'Brien reviewed a letter confirming that the Flin Flon Lions Club is a nominee for the Manitoba Council on Aging 2004 Recognition Award. He called the club "very deserving" of the award, given to groups that work to enhance the lives of seniors. O'Brien encouraged anyone with ideas for guest speakers for the chamber's monthly meetings (the first Tuesday of the month) to contact the chamber office. Guest speakers could include notable individuals who are in the community for a short period of time, he said. It was agreed that businesspeople will be contacted to start organizing annual Christmastime business promotions like the Santa Claus parade down Main St. and Moonlight Madness, in which businesses stay open late for Christmas shoppers.
