A ribbon-cutting for a long-serving Lloydminster business has Mayor Gerald Aalbers confident of the future of local business growth in the community.
Aalbers was on hand for the ribbon-cutting for the new Richardsons Jewellery location on Thursday and reminisced of not only his association with owners, the Fisher family, but of the transformation of the ‘old Timmies’ on 44 Street.
“What an incredible experience you’ve seen. A business that has transformed itself one more time to be very modern.”
Aalbers says the occasion was also another measure of the business climate in the city, noting an increase in business licences and building permits, as well as an uptick in housing sales and job advertisements.
“There’s opportunities in this community. I encourage people, if you’re not working you don’t have to look far to find a job. If you’re looking for a job and you’re not in Lloydminster, come to Lloydminster.”
Owner Wayne Fisher notes they have doubled in size over the old location and are looking forward to the future as they give back to the community in a silent auction for the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. He said the family business wanted to do something more than just have a sale for their grand opening.
“So we are excited to do that. Hopefully people will come in and bid on these items. Again it’s just giving back to the community that’s treated us so well for 42-years. And that’s why we wanted to do this.”
Fisher says they approached about 30 local businesses asking them for donations. The silent auction will run until Saturday and they look forward to the community placing their bids as they come in to see their new jewellery line.
The new Richardsons Jewellery is located at 5405 – 44 Street in the Wayside Plaza.