Unique collaboration created business centre at the community school
A unique partnership between the Milo and District Agricultural Society Sustainability Committee and Palliser Regional Schools has been recognized with an award.
SouthGrow Regional Initiative, an economic development alliance of communities in southern Alberta, presented an Award of Merit in the Excellence in Collaboration/Partnership category at a recent event in Lethbridge.
The award acknowledges a partnership that created the Milo Business Centre at the Milo Community School. The centre has high-speed Internet, computer workstation and other office equipment, and a meeting room, as well as secure, separate entry from the space used by students.
The centre opened in 2014, and has a half dozen regular users who pay to rent the space. The Sustainability Committee’s Michael Monner says users are generally home business operators in Milo who may need faster Internet access than they have at home, or a professional space to meet with clients.
“It makes a difference,” Monner says of the co-operative venture. “It allows businesses or individuals to have a place to conduct business, and it has potential to grow.”
The space was also envisioned as a base for accounting or other professionals who may not hang a shingle in the village year-round, but who could work from the space occasionally.
“It’s nice to know there’s appreciation for the work we do to support and strengthen our rural communities,” says Palliser Board Chair Colleen Deitz, who represents the Milo area. “It’s a good use of an existing facility that had the space to share. It’s a win-win situation for the school and the community.”
The Village of Milo has a population of 122 and is home to several businesses including a grocery store, hotel and bank. The Milo Community School serves about 55 students in grades 1-9. Staff are working toward offering an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
To rent the business centre, please call 587-793-0772.