MBiz

13 mbiz | may 2015 pa r k l a n d parkland dauphin & diStrict chamber of commerce roblin & diStrict chamber of commerce roSSburn & diStrict chamber of commerce ruSSell & diStrict chamber of commerce SWan Valley chamber of commerce the store, which features the counter from the old Vista general Store, has become a gathering place. Photos courtesy of Angusville General Store a small-town general store can have a big- time social impact on a community. Becky and Bryan Flundra own and operate the Angusville General Store, and Becky says she's seen that impact first-hand. "One thing we've noticed is more people walking down the street, just being more mobile in town and stopping to chat with one another," she says. "Sometimes, I get people into the store that only live one street away from each other and they'll meet and say, 'Oh I haven't seen you all winter!' So a lot of the neighbours get to reconnect because of the business." The Flundras are in their second year of marriage and are establishing their store as a "mom and pop" business that serves the needs of the local community. Bryan grew up in Russell and moved to Angusville about 10 years ago, while Becky grew up in Grandview and moved to Angusville three years ago. They met on a blind date and hit it off from the start. Before long, they were brainstorming about how to start a business. "Bryan was chatting with his shift partner at work about it and he told us to go and talk to Grandma Baker about the fixtures left in her store," she says. Grandma Baker's store was the old Vista General Store. It was established in 1907 and it was a fixture in the region for many years. After Mr. Baker's passing, the store was closed down, but all of the beautiful, turn-of-the-century counters and fixtures remained until the Flundras purchased and moved them to Angusville. "We went to check things out, and if money grew on trees, the whole building would have been moved to Angusville to really keep the old general store feel," says Becky. The Flundras value history and stories of the old days, which include little details like pointing out the worn-out spot on the counters where Becky says thousands of penny matches were lit over the years. This was the inspiration to recreate the old general store feel, and so far everyone loves it. "They think it's great that we have a little bit of everything and they don't have to start a vehicle and drive to a neighbouring community for one or two things," she says. "We really do carry a little bit of almost everything, just like an old-fashioned general store." Customers will find the usual milk, eggs, candy, toys, fuses, gloves and hats, but also more newfangled commodities like soft ice cream, specialty coffees and fresh flowers. The floral service is a passion of Becky's. "I do flowers because I absolutely love it," she says. "I took some courses to boost my confidence and learn a few new techniques." The store also holds special events, such as ladies' evenings and an evening of gift shopping for holidays such as Mother's Day. "We are working with some of the other business owners in town to have a big community day fair on June 20," Becky says. "It's gearing up to be a fundraiser for the chemo unit in the Russell Health Care Centre." She says people who come from other communities often comment on how fortunate Angusville is to have such good businesses, something many smaller towns are lacking. "Our store is a place to have a coffee in the morning, stop for treats for the kids after the school day, or a quick visit after picking up the mail. "We believe in community and having an independently owned business boosts your community and allows you to give back every day." ■

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