Wednesday 30 September 2020

The New Greeter!

 The new Greeter!!

 

One of the changes the COVID has triggered is a New Greeter program…

 Yes this is a bit of a tongue in cheek blog today, but it is a part of our new neighbourhood!

 At one time  you were always greeted by a person when you entered a store, hotel, or place of business. Those days were thought to be a thing of the past.  Not anymore!  Now every time you enter a place of business, you are greeted by a new greeter, the Hand Sanitizer! 

It might be a stand-alone dispenser or may be accompanied by a person.  Please be kind.  The person is doing their job trying to keep everyone safe and following the rules.  The use of Hand Sanitizer is mandated by the Government as a way to reduce transmission of the coronavirus.

 

Some answers to the questions posed to our new Greeter:

 

When should hand sanitizer be used?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) containing at least 60% alcohol can be used for hand hygiene if soap and water is not available. However, if hands are visibly soiled, hand wipes should be used to remove any such soil or organic material; this should then be followed by the use of ABHS.May 30, 2020

Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada

www.canada.ca › services › diseases › health-professionals

 

 

AHS answers to your questions:

https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-hand-sanitizer.pdf
Hand Sanitizer – What you need to know 1 alberta.ca/BizConnect Email: BizConnect@gov.ab.ca ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: June 23, 2020

 

Overview

Hand hygiene refers to removing or killing microorganisms (germs) on the hands that have been picked up from contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces or the environment. When performed correctly, hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections. Hand hygiene is performed either by using soap and running warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

When to use hand sanitizer? 

Use when soap and running water is not available.  When hands are NOT visibly dirty.  Upon entering and exiting a public place (e.g. mall, grocery store, playground).  After touching a multi-use shared object (e.g. elevator button, pin pad).

How to use hand sanitizer?

Depending on the size of your hands, the amount of hand sanitizer needed may vary.  Use enough product to cover hands and vigorously rub over hands until all surfaces are completely dry (about 20 seconds).  Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it is dry.  Always follow the label directions on hand sanitizer products.

Is hand sanitizer bad for skin? 

Hand sanitizer is generally well tolerated.  When used on healthy skin hand sanitizer should rarely cause skin problems.  To reduce the risk of skin irritation do not wash hand with soap and water immediately before or immediately after using hand sanitizer and do not put on gloves until hands are dry following the use of hand sanitizer.  For ongoing skin problems, speak with your doctor or work with your employer to determine if there are acceptable substitutes and appropriate lotions.

 

 

So the next time you enter a business, don’t forget to look for the New Greeter!  

They come in all shapes and sizes, may be alone or with a person, but will be by the door somewhere!. 

 

Monday 14 September 2020

2020 a year of change!

 

2020 has been a year of change!  

Changes that have affected all aspects of our lives.  Socially, mentally, physically and financially.

 How have you fared?  Has your garden grown?  Did you take the time to review your business and implement changes?

 Stats Canada, along with the Chambers of Commerce, have released their information on how business has changed from the beginning of the year to today (latest numbers are as of Aug 2020).  I have tried to break out Alberta numbers as much as possible.

 

Changes:

Percentage of people who will continue working from home?               

                                                Feb 2020         May 2020        Aug 2020

Canada                       5.9%                14.4%              6.2%

            Alberta                         4%                   12%                 3.5%

-       The trend shows that some will continue to work from home, or at least work part of the time from home. 25.2% of businesses indicated that they would offer more employees the possibility of working remotely once the Pandemic is over.  14.3% are likely to require it. 

 

Length of time to return to Pre Covid operations

                                                Less than 1 week       3-4 months      6 months or more      

            Canada                       41.5%                          3.5%                7.1%

            Alberta                         36.7%                          4%                   9%

 

Percentage  of workers laid off due to COVID

                                                0-1%                            50-60%            100%

            Canada                       59.5%                          4.1%                10.6%

            Alberta                         58.2%                          4.5%                9.1%

-        29.9% of businesses reported reducing staff hours or shifts, while 28.4% laid off staff

 

Level of impact (decrease) for demand of products/services

                                                None               Low                 Med                 High

            Canada                       9.4%                8.2%                16.1%              64.8%

            Alberta                         7.8%                7.7%                15%                 68%

-       In May retail sales dropped to -31% but by June have rebounded to 3.8%...there is light at the end of the tunnel!

 

The potential for Vaccines, etc will reduce COVID but things will always be different. 

 

Just like a storm passing through and causing havoc, the damage can be repaired but the neighbourhood
will never be the same.

 

Take a look at New Orleans.  After all these years, there are still areas that have not been rebuilt or recovered. But other areas have come back strong! New updated buildings and businesses have created a better neighbourhood!

 

Recovery will be slow, but we will come back better and stronger.  We will have worked together to recreate our neighbourhood, and change will happen..

Wednesday 9 September 2020

Business Awards deadline is coming!


BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (11+ employees)
Honours a noteworthy enterprise with more than 11 full-time* employees that lead with vision and have demonstrated continued success.

*employee works 20+ hours per week

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (10< employees)
Honours a business with 1 - 10 full-time* employees, that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth, a competitive business model and a commitment to the community.

*employee works 20+ hours per week

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP OF THE YEAR
Honours a business that demonstrates leadership in their business practices their industry, and the Didsbury community.  The business provides inspiration and acts as a positive role model in these areas.

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR
Honours an individual whose service went above and beyond what is traditionally expected.  Recipients are chosen based on the quality of service, not the number of nominations.

 ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
Honours an incorporated, not-for-profit, society that demonstrates organizational leadership and measurable success, as defined by the organization, in achieving its mandate.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Honours an entrepreneur under the age of 30 who excels in business, exemplifies leadership and entrepreneurial skills and demonstrates exceptional vision that contributes to business success.

 INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR
Honours a business that exemplifies successful innovation; displays vision in the development and launching of new technologies, products and/or services and demonstrates the ability to take risks.

 GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Honours a business that demonstrates leadership with their environmental and sustainable business practices.