Despite the downturn of the economy in 2016 Lacombe welcomed 36 new storefront businesses to the city.  

One of those was Oodles of Chocolates and although they don't have a store front, owner, Edna Macleod, said they had to close their retail side of the business because they couldn't keep up.  

Now Macleod said they do orders and shows but added there will be some changes in the New Year, perhaps building off the success of their hot chocolate sticks.

“Our hot chocolate sticks have been an amazing seller for us this year. We’ve had them in a couple of stores here in town and they’ve done really well. Plus we’ve done shows in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, all over the place, so we’re looking forward to expanding with that part of our business.”

Another new addition to the city last year was Blindman Brewing. Co-founder, Hans Doef, said support from both the community and local businesses have been amazing and is looking forward to some new changes this year.

“We’re doing another exciting initiative right now. We’re doing a crowdsourcing fundraising campaign for things called foeders. They’re big giant oak barrels that we’re going to be aging some really unique beers in.”

Doef added that the new campaign can be check out on their Facebook page.

Force Nutrition was also new to the city in 2016 and Co-owner, Mike Harvey, said he's always been into fitness and wanted to fill a need in the community when he moved to the city just over a year ago.

“I was actually quite shocked with a town this size and this active as well. There are a few gyms and CrossFit’s but not this, there was no supplement store. Having to drive to Red Deer or having to order online that can be a pain.”

Harvey said he looks forward to expanding in the New Year and not just on products and supplements but moving into clothing as well.  

Part Owner of Reds Sports, Tammy Derowin, said they too were tired of driving into Red Deer when it came to sports equipment and added the support from the community has been amazing.

“We have people coming in and thanking us for opening it. It’s such a relief to be able to shop local again. The sports teams have been fantastic and there’s been support from schools and families. People love that we are family oriented, we really want to get families out and active.”

In 2017 Derowin said they will be getting into downhill skiing and snowboarding equipment, along with rollerblades and more winter equipment.