Security, safety and issues that may come up with the recent legalization of cannabis were all subjects of interest at a small business presentation last week.
The Bashaw and District Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event Oct. 17 — during Small Business Week — at the Majestic Theatre that attracted several business owners.
Taking the pot by the handle first was Bashaw RCMP Sgt. Bruce Holliday who explained the region’s severity of crimes have dropped, however, the numbers are still high compared to 2013 data.
“Bashaw is also one of the only detachments in central Alberta that has seen a decrease in CSI (Crime Severity Index). What we are doing is working and we will continue down that path with the help and cooperation of people like you.”
He followed that up by speaking on cannabis and how its legalization may affect businesses.
“Because the federal legislation left it up to the provinces to determine any rules, Alberta has chosen to let each municipality to decide what it will do,” he said, noting usage is restricted inside businesses just like tobacco.
“So, every community may have different rules surrounding use in public, so that is where we are at right now.”
Holliday did answer one question about employees who show up potentially high, by stating business owners should trust their instincts while not risking possible legal issues or the safety of their customers. He added that any business with further questions or concerns can contact him at the detachment.
It should be noted that Bashaw town council is hoping to pass a bylaw restricting usage in public.
Caught on camera
Bashaw’s security camera program was also brought to the forefront with Total Control Security technician Jason Kercher providing information about how the system works, the benefits of joining and what’s new in camera technology.
He explained the system has plenty of available space open for more cameras and that it’s relatively simple to upgrade current cameras and recordable space.
“There are four and eight mega-pixel cameras that provide great quality, even in the dark. We have had really good success with the higher resolution cameras,” he said, noting there might be a need for a software upgrade for some of the cameras.
“For a business, a home or even an acreage, the systems are typically simply a deterrent. There isn’t much that can be done after someone enters, except having some good evidence for the police.”
Lastly, there was a brief talk on fraud awareness by Servus Credit Union’s Bashaw branch manager Jamie Turcotte.
While she noted there remains a threat of counterfeit bills for small businesses, the most prevalent issue seen now is double dipping on cheques through photo cheque deposit.
An example is a person using their phone app to ‘cash’ their cheque, then going into the branch after the hold-time — between five and 10 days depending on the financial institution — and physically depositing the cheque.
“It’s a consequence of the new technology and something institutions are now watching for,” Turcotte said.
She did add that businesses won’t be out any funds, as at least in Servus’s case, the institution will try to credit back the money from the individual or simply write off the lost funds — which has already happened in the province.
Chamber news
A short meeting of the membership was also held that night, before the presentations, where members heard that the annual Bashaw Bucks program is getting set up with nearly all members having been contacted to gauge their interest in participating. No other details have yet been released.
It was also announced plans are ongoing for the annual Christmas parade set for Dec. 1 and that the Chamber’s annual general meeting has been tentatively set for Jan. 9.