BUSINESS-INDUSTRY-AVAILABLE SITES 

VERMILION AT THE HUB OF REGIONAL INDUSTRIES

Agriculture is the primary regional industry with annual gross farm receipts of $80 million (1991) from sales of grains, oil seeds, beef cattle, hogs and dairy products. Vermilion has become a strong and effective service centre with support by grain elevators, machinery agents, farm supply distributors, Veterinary and Government services. The major grain buying companies are located on CN Trackage along with the modern Vermilion Seed Cleaning Plant.

Nilsson Brothers Livestock Exchange, located south of Highway #16 provides livestock auction services for the region with a 200-seat theatre and auction ring. United Grain Growers and Agricore have established distribution centres in the community.

Heavy crude oil exploration development has found Vermilion to be strategically located. The oil fields in the Lloydminster, Wainwright, Cold Lake and Elk Point areas are easily accessible from Vermilion along the Yellowhead Highway #16 or Highway #41. The Lindbergh field is a short one-half hour drive away.

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

As a strong service centre, Vermilion serves a trading area population of about 11,000 people with a complete range of consumer goods and services. In addition to competitive selection and price, Vermilion businesses are committed to service excellence. In 1994 Vermilion became the province’s first Alberta Best Community with over 200 business people participating in Alberta Best customer service seminars.

In the historic Downtown core, over 90 long established businesses, expanding enterprises and new businesses are complimented by a broad range of financial and medical services; indicators of a vital and progressive commercial core.

Vermilion’s Lakeland Mall is a modern air-conditioned shopping facility with ample free parking available. An active Mall Merchants Association and on-site promotions director hosts 12-15 successful promotions every year. Currently there are 14 tenants of which four are chain stores including a grocery store and department store as anchors. The mall ownership is committed to encouraging and incubating, new businesses and developing needed space.

The labour force not only draws local resources but also is complimented from neighbouring areas. Skilled labour is available through trade programs being taught at Lakeland College in Vermilion. Complete apprenticeship programs are available as well as a variety of agricultural related courses.

AVAILABLE SITES

Vermilion has an inventory of subdivided industrial lots, serviced and unserviced, with access off arterial roads. Industrial lots are available for $21,000-25,000 an acre including services. Lots are in half-acre sizes and can be purchased in-block. Airport industrial land is available for lease at the Municipal Airport.