All Aboard! in Hanna
Monica has worked with the Hanna Rural Alberta Business Centre and Cactus Corridor Economic Development Corporation since August, coaching and facilitating the creation of a new Cluster using “Thrive in a Hive” (see Monica’s renowned Painting the Barn Red workshop). Two leadership groups were formed in February to contribute to the creation of Hanna’s third Hive: Railtown, which is based on Hanna’s unsung treasures: the Roundhouse & Turntable.
Monica is always willing to do what it takes to help move Clusters forward…even if it means dressing up! Left to Right: Larae Pierson, Rural Alberta Business Centre Hanna, Monica Knight and Wanda Diakow, Made in Alberta
The purpose of this Hive is to unite the Downtown Business Community, create Traffic to Hanna’s fantastic Pioneer Museum (“…we don’t like to brag, but we’ve been told we’re probably number one for this type of museum in the province.” – Vic Mohl) and to capitalize on Hanna Roundhouse, fostering pride in all ages on this rare monument and the rich history it has brought Hanna.
Left to Right: A view of the Roundhouse from the Turntable; Hanna Museum; A view of Downtown
Heritage Seeds
The groups:
1. All Aboard!: Comprised of downtown business owners, this leadership group will be the first movers in creating a buzz in the Downtown, which will hopefully spread to the rest of Town.
2. On the Right Track: Interested in promoting locally grown products – as an awareness tool, Galt Museum Heritage seeds were given out at the first Farmer’s Market of year.
This Hive is comprised of four “puzzle” pieces:
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- 1. Hanna as a Railtown (All Aboard!)
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- 2. Promoting locally grown and produced products
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- 3. Arts & Culture (stay tuned for the exciting news!)
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- 4. Education: Elementary age to Town Council & Chamber of Commerce (Thrive in a Hive)
In May 2014, the Railtown Hive was mass promoted in various forms. Following a community meeting regarding the future of the Roundhouse, the two groups and four “pieces” were presented to the Hanna Chamber of Commerce, Town Council and at the Hanna’s Farmer’s Market in conjunction with Made in Alberta. The Railtown Hive concept has been met with enthusiasm from the people of Hanna; residents, business owners and Town officials alike. As Monica likes to say, “onward and upward!” toward the next steps of the Clustering process – stay tuned for progress in Hanna!