Red Deer Downtown Business Association
Alberta Art & Drafting Supplies – DBA Business Spotlight
This week, we shine our ‘Business Spotlight’ on a long-time staple in our Downtown community, Alberta Art & Drafting Supplies located at 4709 49th Ave. This year will mark their 27th year in business within the Downtown core and as they told us, ‘they can’t imagine being anywhere else.’ Check out our interview with Glenn Cline and Lorette Frank below!
What is your business?
We are a fine arts and drafting / design supply retail store.
When did your business open?
The owner opened the store in November of 1993 at 4709 – 49th Ave. We still have our grand opening flyer on file from all those years ago.
What makes your business unique?
We like to believe that we are an artist’s destination, a boutique where creativity is first imagined and inspired. We have a loyal customer base and many people from out of town travel to shop with us. Our staff is very knowledgeable about the products we carry. The south wall of the building has been a wall mural that has been a landmark of the downtown for years.
What are some products/services that you offer?
AA&DS offers a wide range of products for the beginner to the professional artist, from drawing pencils to easels. In addition, we carry a range of drafting tools and media. We strive to support the local art clubs as well as the business community and local schools. Special ordering and shipping are also available, in fact, we ship Canada wide.
Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?
AA&DS was founded by Karen Walls’s early experience working at Walsh Galleries and her passion for art. These catalysts continue to grow the business today. Choosing Downtown along 49th Avenue made perfect sense in 1993 and 27 years later we are still located in our original location. We are well established in Downtown Red Deer.
What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?
We love Downtown. The Ross St. Patio, the musical activities, and the mature trees. City Hall Park festive lights during the holidays, flowers during the summer and of course all the different businesses that operate in the Downtown.
Finish this sentence: I love Downtown Red Deer because… the positive vibe that can be created here.
From their wide selection of products, a helpful and knowledgeable team, and their love for their Downtown community, Alberta Art & Drafting Supplies is something to be proud of in Downtown Red Deer. Be sure to check out their website and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for upcoming deals and events!
Website: https://www.albertaart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/albertaart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertaartanddrafting/
Council approves 2024 DBA budget, increased investment in events
“The DBA remains steadfast in its objective to build on the growth seen in 2023. The collaboration between The City of Red and the DBA is at all time high and with the pending actions set to be delivered through the Downtown Activation Playbook, I know there are many great things to come that will support our business community and create the thriving downtown we all want to experience,” said Amanda Gould, DBA Executive Director.
“Today Council demonstrated their commitment to their strategic priorities with the support shown to the DBA through unanimous support of the 2024 budget. This mighty Association continues to do great work on a shoestring budget and the 2024 Board of Directors are keen to lend their expertise and entrepreneurial skills to benefit the downtown in its entirety.”
Brandon Bouchard, DBA Board Chair
The DBA’s budget is partially funded through the BIA tax levy, which is collected by The City of Red Deer. Each year, the DBA presents its proposed budget to Council for their consideration. When reviewing the budget, Council considers alignment between the DBA’s downtown priorities and City’s community priorities.
“DBA has constantly hit far above its weight in our downtown, I can’t think of a more supportive messenger of promotion than the team at the DBA, it’s so encouraging to see this strong support for our downtown,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “I’m encouraged by the leadership and direction of the DBA and look forward to what they have in store for 2024. They continually bring positive initiatives to the downtown even with the constraint on finances.”
The DBA’s total approved budget for 2024 is $775,160, with $277,725 funded through the BIA with the remaining amount funded through items such as grants and contracts. The BIA portion for 2024 is an increase of five per cent from 2023.
The Downtown Business Association has been operating in Red Deer for more than 30 years, serving approximately 350 business owners in the Downtown area. Through partnerships and leadership in advocacy and promotion, the DBA is the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous downtown that is the place to live, work, play and do business.
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