Shop Local

 Top of the line inventory means you don’t have to drive hours south for the newest gadget—whether it is a camera, GPS, telescope, or anything related to name a few.

“We joined Foto Source, which is one of the biggest buying groups in Canada – in the field of photography – to become stronger,” explained Sorensen.

The shop boasts an incredible line-up of some 120 different camera models. This includes Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic. Sports cameras from Olympus, JVC, Contour, and GoPro are also available.

Camera accessories such as tripods, umbrellas, and batteries – the largest collection in Fort McMurray, says Sorenson – are also in store. Additionally, telescopes from Bushnell and Celestron are available.

Photomagic Foto Source won the 2004 Chamber of Commerce – Small Business of the Year Award, which spoke to Sorensen’s community involvement. His business has provided archival support to Keyano Theatre’s mainstage productions for about 10 years now.  He is also involved with The Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Fort McMurray Rotary Club as well as other groups.

“People need to understand the importance of supporting small business. Our overhead is higher, which is the nature of doing business in Fort McMurray. Plus, we are here to help you tomorrow, as opposed to big box stores down south,” Sorensen said.

Photomagic Foto Source is on 519-8600 Franklin Ave., inside the River City Centre.

MXC RACING AND OFF-ROAD

Speaking of south, you don’t need to hit the highway for your off-roading needs either. Nestled on Fraser Avenue, MXC Racing and Off-Road and MXC Fleet Services is another small business boasting unique items.  The business was started in 1998, and was bought by the husband and wife duo, Adam and Colleen Tatum, in 2004.

From lift-kits to rims and tires, skidoo suits for adult and children, and “motocross gear, performance parts, racing fuel, helmets and all types of dirt bike and ATV accessories in top brands such as Pro Comp, Superlift, Skyjacker, Royal Purple, Lightforce and Vortech,” according to the official website—MXC Off-Road boasts a unique inventory.

“We support the community by hiring local people and supporting their families,” explains Colleen Tatum, who is also a regional councillor.

The Fleet Services portion of the business is a division which supplies parts and provides fleet maintenance to industry. Tatum says the maintenance includes costing and mechanical repair. Others ask for GPS tracking, which is a computer software program assisting with parameters for speeding.

“When a driver over-speeds an instant notification is sent in,” explains Tatum, who was born and raised in Fort McMurray.
Another popular software device is the driver coaching program, which sets speed parameters according to areas, or as determined by the company.

MXC also sponsors a few races for the McMurray Dirt Riding Association and is involved with the United Way, Corporate Challenge, Northern Off-road Society, and community events in Anzac, and Janvier – Adam’s hometown.
Another reason to shop local? These businesses are community champions.

MXC is located on 8318 Fraser Ave. Telephone: 780-791-9493

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