Our business community in Alberta is resilient, creative and above all, committed to the communities we serve. We were hit hard with the economy, and Covid-19 has proven to be the Grinch of the century.
Since the pandemic began, Darla and I observed how so many companies were personally affected. We saw local businesses closing up shop. We saw companies that didn’t have a strong online presence being overlooked while people stood in line at the big box stores.
Our own careers were affected too, fuelling our commitment to do something positive. After 14 years working with a not-for-profit, raising funds for children with disabilities, Darla and several of her co-workers received their lay-off notices in 2020. My company, Madsen Avenue had to make big changes too and with a heavy heart, I laid off my team.
Together we did what resilient entrepreneurs do. Darla and I focused on the positive, and researched possibilities while watching from the side-lines as our fellow businesses across the province made the most of what would be an incredibly challenging year.
Meanwhile, the #Shoplocal movement was gaining momentum. Several groups came together to support each other, pop up stores promoted local, and many retailers supported local artisans, it was heartwarming and encouraging.
Apps and websites existed pre-Covid, where people could buy products and have food delivered. What we found to be missing with any promotions were the people behind the products, their stories and an engaging way to foster connections between merchants and their customers, connections that build long-term relationships.
This is where our idea really took root. 
On behalf of our members, a SmileBox is delivered to a customer of their choice on a monthly basis. The SmileBox contains keepsakes, original art, locally crafted chocolates, our Lift the Lid miniature publication, a Kudos Badge, and an IOU supplied by the member to encourage the customer to redeem on a return visit.
Each item in the SmileBox is designed to brighten the recipient's day and provide our members with a fun way to say thank you to their customers. The monthly SmileBox themes are designed for maximum feel good moments. 
I’m sure you will agree, we can all use more feel-good moments, more smiles and greater connection.
We are grateful for your contribution and your commitment to support local. Thank you!
Dare to Be Local - #ShopLocal
Shauna & Darla
Shauna Madsen
Partner
Shauna has been an entrepreneur since 1989, having launched seven diverse businesses. She has unlimited stories and lessons to share with clients she's been coaching and mentoring since 2009 with her company Madsen Avenue. She is excited to share her skills as a branding and marketing specialist with the members of Skip the BIGBox, and help them achieve thier goals. Shauna's passions include writing, painting, sculpting and fullfilling her role as a rockstar Grandma.
Darla Zuk
Partner
Darla is the brains and bronze behind Prestige Event Planning, with two decades in event management, having orchestrated successful conferences, trade shows, and fundraisers for not-for-profit. She has connected women in business through her signature events and won a publishing award for a business profile magazine in Calgary, Alberta. Darla love pets, people and promotions, not necessarily in that order.
We launched our weekly Wednesday video broadcast in January to raise awareness of Skip the BIGBox and the ATB BoostR Crowdfunding campaign. We are joined by our mascot, Carmen Chumps (with two humps) who seems to be collecting wardrobe pieces from our local members.
