Community Insurance Inc. has been in business since 1988, and is known for having one of the most appealing business exteriors in Canora, according to the Canora Economic Development Commission (CEDC).
On April 18 the business received an award for continued excellence in business exterior from the CEDC. The award included an exterior business sign.
Brooke Kowalyshyn, Community Insurance office co-manager, accepted the award on behalf of Deryl Ortynsky and Joan Kowalyshyn, co-owners of Community Insurance Inc.
Brooke said they are truly a family business, and all play a role in the success of their independent insurance and real estate brokerage. For the most part they are busy seven days a week.
In a small town like Canora, just about everyone knows everyone she said. In this type of environment, it’s extremely important that they give their clients the best possible service and value at all times.
They have created an appealing exterior for the business, making it more inviting for prospective clients to enter, said Kowalyshyn. The stucco-and-brick front with well-placed flower pots combine to create a unique environment.
Community Insurance was an excellent choice for continued excellence in business exterior, said Brandi Zavislak, CEDC member and community development officer. A well-kept business exterior can create more traffic, resulting in a boost to the bottom line.
Other members of the CEDC agreed with the decision, including Russell Bartko, retired social worker; Dana Antonovich, Gateway Co-op general manager; Al Babb, owner of IC Sales & Service; Jeff Bisschop, Crossroads Credit Union CEO-elect, and Kerry Trask, Canora Councillor.
Zavislak said the CEDC began the Business Revitalization/Beautification Project in 2016, and kicked off the 2017 portion of the project with the award to Community Insurance.
Members of the CEDC felt that awarding business signs to the winners would be another way of adding appeal and value to the businesses, said Zavislak. Three other Canora businesses have been chosen as award winners, and will be receiving signs for their exteriors as well.
The Flower Mill tied with Community Insurance for the continued excellence in business exterior award, she said. Their exterior is well known in Canora for always having well-kept display windows and a fresh looking paint job.
Gabanos pizza was named the most improved business exterior, said Zavislak. Their ‘eye- catching sign’ and appealing bright red exterior are the result of many hours of hard work.
The other award winner is Carnation Street Florals, taking home the prize for putting the most effort into the business exterior, she said. The business has gone through the hard work of doing a complete renovation and usually has beautiful flower pots on display.
The Business Revitalization/Beautification Project was initiated by CEDC as a way of rejuvenating downtown Canora, said Zavislak. A clean and well maintained business exterior can gain new business and encourage Canora residents to spend more time and money shopping locally.
It’s important to remember that Canora is located in the middle of an area with a number of lakes and resorts, she said. Tourists generally have money to spend, and if they see well kept business exteriors when they visit Canora in summer, there is an increased likelihood they will spend their money here.
All Canora businesses are eligible for the project. Criteria includes overall cleaning, upgrading, visual improvements, new paint, new signage and repairing any damage. The deadline for 2017 awards is July 17. For further information, contact Brandi Zavislak.
