Hi, nice to meet you!
There is no other place in the world more receptive to the spirit of supporting community-based business than the City of Airdrie. That's the opinion of Lois and Al Jones, owners of ADvance Distribution and Here's The Scoop.
Back in 1996, postal rates rose dramatically and the Jones realized a gap existed for local flyer distribution that was affordable and targeted 100% of the households. Since the advent of super boxes, most homes didn't even have a traditional mailbox and what flyers were delivered were thrown on doorsteps and left to the elements.Al and Lois realized that no one had thought of a very simple solution: deliver flyers in a plastic bag that can hang conveniently on the doorknob. This became the unique selling point of Advance Distribution and advertisers loved it." This made it possible to distribute anything from flyers and pamphlets to product samples and catalogues under any weather condition," Al explains.
Three short years later, they began to brainstorm on the concept of a cooperative flyer that several advertisers could share in the costs. But would residents want to read what was basically a "weekend shopper" flyer? Local news was well covered, so Al and Lois brainstormed in their spare moments on what to do to enhance the shopper idea.Then September 11 was burned into the collective memories of a generation. Al recalls the media was full of stories of fear, anger and pain. "No one smiled. No one laughed. People stopped making eye contact with each other, it was a distressing time;" Al says. And then one day shortly after, Lois knew she’d found the answer. 'A1 walked into the kitchen on a Friday afternoon and I looked him in the eye and said "it's time".
On that Friday "Here's the Scoop" was born. The couple worked feverishly on the concept of a newsletter that had absolutely no news in it. They would fill their "No News" newsletter with heart-warming stories, jokes and community events." It was time for people to heal, smile and laugh again," Lois says. While Lois worked on design and concept, Al sought the advice of successful business people in the community."We were very fortunate to have such wonderful people give us advice when we started out;' Al says.” When speaking about the start up of Here's the Scoop, we always pay tribute to Dick Buchanan at Air - Alta Insurance, Salim with Five Star Movies, Sandy Stoward with Royal Lepage and Marlene Weaver from Interiors by Marlene."
A1 and Lois refer to them as the "Fab Four" since they have supported the publication since the first issue hit the streets November 1st, 2001. The couple is also quick to acknowledge the tremendous support of the local Chamber of Commerce, and the thousands of readers who embraced the publication."Sue McGinley of M&M Meats, once told me that the key to her success was that she never forgot those that made her successful. I've always admired how Sue runs her business and the way she gives so generously back to the community. So I took those words to heart, "Al says.
Al and Lois donate 15 percent of their earnings towards sponsorships and donations to local non-profit organizations and events. That strategy won the couple, the City of Airdrie's most prestigious business recognition, the Winning Edge Award in 2003. Al's impromptu thank you speech came right from the heart. His closing words, "I don't know if we will ever be able to give back to this community as much as they have given to us but we aspire to..." still rings true in his mind three years later.Today, ADvance Distribution and "Here's the Scoop" continue to grow expanding to the surrounding communities of Crossfield, Irricanna, Beiseker and Carstairs. The Scoop is free locally but readers subscribe from as far away as Australia, Britain and South Africa.
A company mascot (Alioops) and community event cruiser has been added to their promotional portfolio and they continue to support as many community events as they have time for.Testimonials
I'm not sure who is responsible for the delivery of HTS and other material, but I would like to let that person know how much I appreciate that the plastic bag with the material in it is hung on my door knob rather than left on the sidewalk, flowerbeds or lawn like so many of the other flyers are. When hung up, it doesn't get wet or dirty or invaded by insects. More importantly, I can actually read it before putting it in the recycle bag.
Thanks.
M Westcott
Hi Lois/Al,
I just wanted to drop a quick note to say a huge THANK YOU
for helping to promote our upcoming Debt workshop in your recent edition of Here’s the Scoop.
The article looked great – thanks again!
Laurie Jacob-Toews, BSW, RSW
Community Support Worker,
North Rocky View Community Resource Centre
Phone: (403) 948-0263 Fax: (403) 948-0226
E-mail: laurie@yourcrc.com
Working with "Here's The Scoop" and Advance Distribution
has been rather a trying experience. Not for me, but for Lois.
I've come to her with last minute flyers, and ad changes. Without
fail Lois Jones manages to help me, and get the job done. Their
creative edge and willingness to give me their opinions has made
me a loyal local advertiser. I've enjoyed working with Lois, Al,
and Tamara. For me, it's truly a paper worth advertising in. Kudos
to "Here's the Scoop".
Terri
Stephens, Century 21 Castlewood Agencies
"Everything I Touch Turns To SOLD!"
I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to Here's the Scoop & Alioops.
We celebrated our 5th Anniversary on May 14th and Here's the Scoop
sent over their new mascot Alioops. He did a wonderful job with
the children handing out suckers which added to our wonderful day.
Once again the staff at Here's the Scoop went over and beyond the
call of duty! THANK YOU HERE'S THE SCOOP & ALIOOPS!!! If anyone
needs a mascot to make a visit to their business function I would
highly recommend ALIOOPS. He rocks !
Lorrie Reneau, The
Scrapbook Station
Good Day, I just want to take a moment to thank you for giving me the opportunity to advertise in your little magazine Here's The Scoop. I have spent thousands of dollars on ads in many different types of media and I got more calls from this little book the first week my ad ran than in anything I have ever done before. I have also sold print advertising for 20 years and I can honestly say ... after seeing first hand what your little paper is capable of, you have a very bright future ahead of you. I will refer you to all of my friends and business associates in the area and tell them you guys rock big time and your response is... in one word .. phenomenal! Keep up the good work Lois!
Sincerely, Dee Anna May, Sonshine Marketing www.zambroza.net Phone 403 698 0188
Hello folks at “Here’s the Scoop”. I work at
Airdrie Family Services in the counselling department. I facilitate
grief support groups as well as seeing individuals and families
for issues of grief and loss. I wanted to let you know how very
often people share things they have read in your little paper.
On the last night of the grief group I suggest that if there has
been anything that the grieving person found especially helpful
in their healing and they would like to share it with the group,
to please do so. In one group a male participant brought in copies
for each participant of the piece called “Hurt” that
was in the Mar. 3-9/05 issue, as he had found it helpful. A couple
of weeks ago, there was an article regarding losing someone to
suicide and I was touched to read a kind reference to our services
mentioned, as over the past 6 years, much of my work has been in
the area of suicide prevention and postvention. Of course, we are
here to support individuals and families with all issues, including
grief.
Anyway, I just want you to know that your paper makes its rounds,
including some folks telling me that they mail it to relatives from
away. I don’t live in Airdrie, so don’t see it regularly,
but I sure do hear about it lots. Keep up the “community” service.
You are appreciated!
Barb Hinger, Airdrie
Family Services
You guys are the best!!!! I REALLY appreciate all your help with
my advertising. You really go the extra mile!! When my business
grows up I want it to be just like yours!
Susan Urquhart, Diabetic
Depot Airdrie
I would like to thank Lois, Al and Tamara at Here’s the
Scoop for all their support, advice and great advertising over
the three and a half years that we’ve been in business. It’s
always a pleasure to do business with you and I consider you to
be, not only business associates but friends as well. Quite often
I look at how you run your business when I have questions about
our own. Airdrie is lucky to have you. Thanks and all the best
to Here’s the Scoop in the future.
Heather and Dale, Airdrie
Flooring Connection