Cochrane's Welcome Wagon has had another busy year welcoming babies, new businesses, and residents to Cochrane.

Jennifer Foy, Welcome Wagon Representative, says they had a great year in 2016. Foy and her team welcomed 359 people to their new Cochrane home, 80 new babies, and 75 storefront and home based businesses to Cochrane. Foy says this is only a fraction of new faces in town as they still rely on referrals from the community.

As far as sponsors for the Welcome Wagon baskets, Foy says the Cochrane business community continues to be supportive even in times of economic hardship.

"Majority of sponsors have stayed with us, they appreciate the value of us getting their information out to residents."

Foy says community members also find the service beneficial in the way of learning what Cochrane has to offer.

"I can't tell you how many times when I am doing a visit with a family to town people will say I had no idea this particular business was in Cochrane, I thought I would have to be driving into Calgary for this or that.It's wonderful to be able to say no, you  don't need to go into Calgary, this service is available here in Cochrane."

Foy expects 2017 will be another busy year and does not anticipate a slow down.

If you know someone who would welcome a visit and basket valued at roughly $500, contact Foy at 403-862-3791 or jennifer.foy@shaw.ca