Chamber of commerce discusses year in review

By Rob Vogt

The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce undertook a variety of activities over the past year.
Approximately 30 people gathered at Casa Roma Pizza and Steakhouse for the chamber’s annual general meeting on March 26.
President Jordie Bronson then lead everyone through a review of the chamber’s activities during the 2024-2025 year.

March 2024
The chamber held their annual general meeting where new members elected to the board were Mary Holgate; Gina Fankhanel; Tina Renaud; and Shelley Ford.
The executive board appointments were Jordie Bronson, president; Mary Holgate, vice-president; Tanisha Proulx, treasurer; and Shelley Ford, secretary.

April 2024
Members attended an Alberta Chambers of Commerce board orientation meeting highlighting Alberta Chamber activities, initiatives, and resources for new and returning members.
The chamber provided a letter of support for the Claresholm Lions Club grant application to upgrade downtown Amundsen Park.
Sponsorship was approved for Claresholm Fair Days, and the chamber offered to contribute volunteers and chamber coins for prize tables.
The chamber also contributed to the “Explore Southwest Alberta” visitors’ guide published by the Claresholm Local Press.

May 2024
The chamber initiated efforts to clean up unpaid memberships and follow up with members for renewals.
Crystal Cooper was hired to assist the chamber part time, funded by a Community Futures grant.
Members were appointed to executive; finance; governance; economic development; events; membership engagement; and audit review committees.

June 2024
Business development discussions were held, talking about approaching new businesses, welcoming them to the community, and promoting chamber memberships. The chamber also worked on developing a welcome package with a variety of information.
Ford attended the Alberta SouthWest regional economic development association annual general meeting and brought back information about interesting economic and tourism initiatives.

July 2024
The chamber held a beer gardens in conjunction with Canada Day celebrations in Centennial Park, raising $225.10.
A Guaranteed Income Certificate, or GIC, was approved for purchase to generate more interest on standing chamber funds. A total of $20,000 was locked in, with another $10,000 redeemable.
Bronson attended a meeting with Premier Danielle Smith set up by Alberta Chambers of Commerce on July 31 in High River, discussing challenges such as housing, child care, inter-provincial trade restrictions and more. Chambers from Nanton, Pincher Creek and High River also attended.

August 2024
The chamber had a prize table for Claresholm Fair Days. The chamber donated volunteers and use of their chamber coins as tokens for carnival prizes to raise funds to support children’s activities. Proceeds from ticket sales generated $1,065 which went to fund local children’s sports and activities.

September 2024
The chamber decided to opt out of holding their trade fair this year, and will review how to proceed for 2025.
Cooper began making changes to the chamber website, improving appearance and adding updated and relevant content. They also began promoting “Best of Claresholm” to members with tent cards and through social media.

October 2024
The chamber presented a $200 scholarship at the Willow Creek Composite High School awards to an outstanding student doing work experience.
The business awards were re-vamped to the “Best of Claresholm Awards and Gala”, with new categories and processes created.
The website domain also expired, and efforts to renew the domain for five years were completed by the website developer.

November 2024
The chamber held the “Best of Claresholm Awards and Gala”. Tickets sold out, and the total profit from the event was $1,289.97.

December 2024
The chamber sent a letter of support to the Town of Claresholm for a Small Communities Opportunities grant application to help update and revise the Claresholm.ca website.
The chamber also held a business decorating contest coinciding with Old Fashioned Christmas.

January 2025
The scope and contents for business welcome packages to new businesses were further developed. Claresholm Economic Development offered additional administrative support through Ali Hemmaway if needed.
The chamber also approved a $100 sponsorship for International Women’s Day awards.

February 2025
The chamber hosted a fundraising bar at Winterfest, turning a small profit and getting their name out there.
The chamber was also advised Mark Brown is the new contact for Community Futures in Fort Macleod. A meet and greet was booked to discuss the partnership between the chamber and Community Futures going forward.
A request for proposal for Blair Bullock’s accounting services was approved, and the chamber will continue to use him for its financials and annual return.

March 2025
The annual general meeting was held.
The chamber will coordinate, help organize and promote an upcoming artifical intelligence information session on May 29 hosted by Community Futures for chamber members.
The chamber also provided a letter of support for a grant application for the Claresholm Social Centre to obtain a new dishwasher.