Energy and base metals sectors help lift S&P/TSX
Strength in the energy and base metals sectors helped lift Canada’s main stock index higher in latemorning, while the price of oil climbed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 74.36 points at 19,278.06.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 32.17 points at 13,963.93. The S&P
500 index was up 2.96 points at 4,144.55, while the Nasdaq composite was down 32.17 points at 13,963.93.
The Canadian dollar traded for 79.79 cents US compared with 79.66 cents US on Tuesday.
The May crude oil contract was up US$2.62 at US$62.80 per barrel and the May natural gas contract was up a penny at US$2.63 per mmBTU.
The June gold contract was down US$12.00 at US$1,735.60 an ounce and the May copper contract was up eight cents at US$4.11 a pound.
Community Futures, I never felt judged in that particular area that way.”
Instead, Community Futures looked at Ram’s potential as a business owner, and his vision, then chose to help. With that critical support from Community Futures, Ram and Olga were able to finish renovations and open up their very first restaurant.
Sustained support, year after year
As Ram continued to build his brand, Community Futures remained steadfast beside him, as a mentor, and as a source of financial assistance when he needed it.
Even recently, when the fallout of the pandemic all but halted the hospitality industry, Community Futures was able to step in to help once again.
In early 2020, Ram and Olga, who already owned both The Picture Butte Hotel and Bar and The Telegraph Taphouse, had their sights on the newly vacant Water Tower. Following their instincts, they purchased the space, and once again, experienced unbridled success in the first couple of months after opening.
Then COVID-19 hit and sent the world spiralling. Because Ram and Olga’s third business did not exist before 2020, they were not eligible for CERB or most of the other government aid.
However, through Community Futures, they were able to secure alternative government aid to access the money needed to make it through the worst of the lockdowns and find success on the other side.
Building a thriving future for our community
With the help of Community Futures’ loans and mentorship, Ram moved from a job that didn’t fit him to owning and running three successful restaurants with his wife Olga. Not only has this given them a chance at living their dreams, but it has allowed them to build back into the community they love by partnering with local producers.
As Ram and Olga’s Butte Hospitality chain of restaurants continues to grow, they are excited to bring the best of Southern Alberta to the rest of the province – and even to the nation.