Alcan Ventures

In a town the size of Hudson's Hope, says Allan Edgar, most of his customers are his neighbours. It is one of the things that he most enjoys about owning a business here. Doing business with and providing services for people that you know always adds a more personal aspect to his work and also makes doing a job right more satisfying and rewarding. Plus, adds Allan, "you get to see and hear how your business and your products are performing."

Also, in a small town, every person matters and individuals of all ages have an important role to play in community life. "You really feel and become part of the heartbeat of the community," says Allan. He notes that there are an impressive number of groups and organizations at work in the community, doing all kinds of charitable things from caring for at-risk populations to keeping the town looking beautiful. There are many opportunities to get involved here and Allan sees how people's contributions really make a difference in the quality of life in Hudson's Hope.

Allan has been operating his home-based business since he first started it in 1997. Having his own business has provided him with a means of controlling his own destiny and investing in his own future. In fact, Allan is technically "retired," having worked for the government for forty years until 2014. Now he spends most of his weekdays making signs and personalizing products for businesses and organizations. Weekends are usually reserved for errands about the town which, says Allan, is another thing he likes about Hudson's Hope: everything is close by. When he does a take a break, Allan enjoys getting outside on the wonderful local nature trails.