In the vibrant town of Aldergrove, a positive shift is taking place, thanks to the efforts of the Aldergrove Business Association.

Jodi Steeves has recently returned as president of the association, after a two-year hiatus.

With a renewed focus on leadership, collaboration, and community involvement, Steeves aims to propel Aldergrove forward into a period of growth and prosperity, together with ABA, she told the Aldergrove Star.

One of the notable achievements for ABA is an increase in membership, reflecting a desire among residents to become more socially engaged after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase in membership creates opportunities for businesses to thrive, Steeves said.

鈥淎fter the pandemic, our focus has shifted from supporting struggling businesses to helping them thrive, and we are excited about the positive shift we鈥檙e experiencing,鈥� Steeves said.

To facilitate deeper connections between the community and local businesses, ABA has planned to organize four events per year. These events aim to integrate businesses with the community on a more personal level.

鈥淥ne of our successful initiatives was the 鈥楰ids for Kindness鈥� banner program, where we showcased artwork from local elementary school children. We want to involve children in community initiatives and encourage kindness, as they are an essential part of strengthening the fabric of Aldergrove,鈥� Steeves said.

鈥淏y integrating businesses, residents, and children, we can create a more vibrant and connected community.鈥�

In addition to the planned events, ABA aims to organize social gatherings where member businesses can showcase their offerings. These socials, which were put on hold during the pandemic, provide an excellent platform for businesses to connect with potential customers while fostering a sense of community.

The pillars of ABA鈥檚 strategy also include promoting shopping local and establishing a stronger bond between residents and the town鈥檚 shop owners.

鈥淎ldergrove鈥檚 unique sense of community and the active participation of its residents in various events provide an excellent foundation for fostering stronger connections between businesses and residents,鈥� Steeves said.

ABA has employed various methods to promote its initiatives and events. They utilize flyer campaigns, social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, and collaboration with local Facebook groups. Word-of-mouth and strategic collaborations are also leveraged to spread the word about the association鈥檚 efforts and engage a broader audience, as is the strong working relationship with the Aldergrove Star.

鈥淲e are committed to using all available avenues to connect with the community and ensure the success of our goals,鈥� Steeves said.

She emphasized the importance of mixed-use developments in Aldergrove, particularly along Fraser Highway. These developments combine commercial spaces on the ground floor with apartments above, creating a vibrant and walkable community.

For instance, the upcoming Aldergrove Town Centre, with its planned opening in 2025, is expected to further invigorate the area and attract more businesses.

Looking ahead, Steeves predicts a significant surge in new developments in Aldergrove.

As construction progresses and new commercial and residential spaces come to life, the area is poised for transformation. The increasing lease rates and business investments in storefronts indicate a growing demand and confidence in Aldergrove鈥檚 potential.

Steeves, ABA, local businesses, and community members are satisfied with the progress made so far and the positive impact on the local economy. However, the focus remains on nurturing social connections, hosting engaging events, and attracting more diverse businesses to meet the community鈥檚 desires.

With the ongoing dedication of ABA and unwavering support of the community, 鈥淲e aim to capitalize on this spirit and create an unparalleled hub of economic activity, social interaction, and community pride,鈥� Steeves concluded.

The ABA holds its meetings every third Thursday of the month. The next general meeting of the ABA is set for Thursday, July 20, at 6 p.m., at Steeves鈥� office, 27272 Fraser Hwy.

鈥淲e invite all Aldergrove businesses to attend,鈥� said Steeves. 鈥淐ome on out and meet our board of directors and learn about what the ABA has been up to. We value your input.鈥�

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