The Voice: December 2nd, 2025
Chamber Celebrates Legacy Year at Annual General Meeting, Giving Tuesday, Check Out This AI Municipal Adoption Toolkit and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Chamber Celebrates Legacy Year at Annual General Meeting
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce marked a milestone year at its 2025 Presidents’ Reception & Annual General Meeting, celebrating 125 years of supporting and advocating for local businesses. This year’s event theme was based on the Chamber's 'Legacy of Leadership': building on the past and growing into the future through continued growth and collaboration.
“2025 has been a transformative year for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce,” said Aaron Fleming, Chamber President. “Marked by its 125th anniversary, hosting the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Provincial Conference, receiving yet another Chamber of the Year award and being recognized as one of Canada's top 10 fastest growing Chambers," Fleming further remarked. "This work has been in addition to advancing key advocacy wins that directly impact our business community and the growth of our region".
A key highlight of the year was the Chamber’s 125th anniversary, commemorated at the provincial conference in May 2025. This annual provincial conference welcomed nearly 200 delegates from 32 Chambers across Alberta. Attendees engaged in policy discussions, networking, and celebrations - including a street renaming to Commerce Way. The event generated an estimated $150,000 in local economic impact, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and service providers throughout Southeast Alberta.
Policy leadership was another highlight at the provincial conference, with 29 resolutions passed, six of which were sponsored or co-sponsored by the Chamber, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to shaping a competitive business environment. In total, the local Chamber adopted 8 new policies in the 2024-2025 year, including:
- Alberta’s Role in Enhancing Interprovincial Collaboration
- Beveridge Remittance Model Reform
- Development and Infrastructure Division Fees and Charges
- Establishment of a Pre-Approved Trade Corridor for Economic Growth and Investment
- Improvements to Regional Air Service
- Medicine Hat Air Service
- Integrating Economic Stewardship Into The Public Service Values And Ethics Code (Co-Sponsored)
- Supporting Communities in Managing Crime, Homelessness, and Property Damage
The addition brings the total active policy resolution count to 44. The Chamber also provided 37 new advocacy insight updates throughout the year, featuring updates on its work on active policy resolutions and moving the policy agenda forward.
"Our work focused on all levels of government - municipal, provincial and federal, with over 1600 hours spent in advocacy work, including letters, meetings and events. The Chamber of Commerce has continued its advocacy on key municipal issues, from reducing red tape to creating a strong and diverse economy, with notable progress in improving development processes," said Lisa Dressler, Executive Director. "We encourage members who have concerns to take a look at what we are actively engaging on through our active policies and advocacy insights on our website, and if there are new issues that we are not yet aware of, we encourage members to submit their issues through our online business advocacy submission form or give us a call."
Highlights from the annual report included the Chamber's 866 members, with 157 new members joining during the 2024-2025 year. The Chamber celebrated 25 Grand Openings or grand re-openings with its members and hosted 99 different Chamber events, attracting over 1,700 attendees, and two trade shows, with a combined total of over 8,400 consumers.
As the Chamber builds on its legacy of leadership, the focus remains on building a resilient and prosperous future for Southeast Alberta. From celebrating 125 years of impact to building the future through policy and collaboration, the Chamber is committed to driving growth and opportunity for our members. The groundwork laid in 2025 positions the local Chamber for continued success in advocacy, networking, and partnerships.
The Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Report can be viewed online at https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/news/annual-reports/
December 2nd is Giving Tuesday
On December 2, join the global movement of generosity and make a difference right here in our community. Giving Tuesday is all about supporting local causes, businesses, and organizations that matter most. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—every act of kindness counts!
Let’s show the power of Southeast Alberta by giving back together. 💛
Check out this AI Municipal Adoption Toolkit
Alberta Municipalities has heard from its membership that artificial intelligence (AI) brings both intrigue and promise, particularly as municipal budgets are becoming leaner year to year. Read more here.
To support AI adoption, we developed this toolkit to answer questions such as:
- What do I need to start using AI effectively?
- Where can I start applying AI in small and safe ways?
- What AI projects have municipalities in Alberta started / completed?
- What do I need to provide to AI to make it work, and how can I use it effectively?
- What guardrails should we be considering to safely use AI?
Alberta and Ottawa ink landmark energy agreement
The Governments of Canada and Alberta have signed a new agreement to more than double oil exports to Asian markets, address investment uncertainty and reduce emissions.
The new agreement demonstrates that both Alberta and Canada are focused on ways to increase the production and export of Alberta oil and gas, maximize growth in AI datacentres and related industries in Alberta, assist Canada in achieving its national security goals, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, all while reducing the emissions intensity of Canadian oil, gas and electricity through the development and implementation of CCUS, nuclear and other emissions reducing technologies. Read the announcement | Watch the News Conference | Read the Memorandum of Understanding
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Subscribe to stay informed
The City’s 2024 Community Survey showed that 35% of residents prefer email as the best way to receive information from the City. Social media came in second at 28%. From those results, the City has increased the number of ways you can subscribe for City of Medicine Hat updates directly to your inbox.
Subscribe to any of the following at medicinehat.ca/subscribe:
- City News | Get our press releases at the same time they are delivered to media.
- Development Notices and Building Permits |Notice of development activities around the city that may impact you.
- Council Highlights | A short synopsis delivered the day following a City Council meeting.
- Public Notices | Email tearsheet of the regulatory notices published in the Medicine Hat News.
Newsletters:
- Neat to Know | A weekly roundup of City news and announcements, with some ‘neat’ extras thrown in. (City News subscribers also get Neat to Know automatically.) Subscribe.
- Medicine Hat Economic Development | Subscribe.
- Land and Real Estate | Stay up to date on available properties, zoning and bylaw changes, and more with this quarterly newsletter. Subscribe.
- Shape Your City | Learn how you can engage and provide feedback on the City’s current projects by receiving emails from our engagement platform Shape Your City. Subscribe.
- Tixx | Never miss a concert or event announcement! Subscribe to TIXX emails. Subscribe
- Esplanade | Museum, Art Gallery, Archives, Theatre and programming news. Subscribe.
- Co-op Place | Get facility-specific event announcements delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe.
Brooks-Newell News
WHO WILL MAKE DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS?
Council is looking at whether the structure of the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), a group made up of five public members and two councillors, should stay the same or change. Options range from keeping the MPC as-is, adjusting its membership or decision-making powers, shifting more authority to the Development Officer, or even removing the MPC and placing all decisions with staff. The MPC decides on discretionary uses, large variances, extensions, similar-use rulings, and all subdivision files. Staff handle most standard permits and smaller variances. Larkspur
Strategic Conversations with the Honourable Leela Aheer, Strategic Advisor for the Alberta-India Chamber of Commerce
The Honourable Leela Aheer stopped in for a visit in Brooks to the Steaming Cup with Naomi Zacharias’, Business Development Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, to have a conversation during the monthly 'Business Blend' event. Naomi sent a quick text to His Worship, Mayor Norm Gerestein, who, in true Brooks fashion, popped by without hesitation. What followed was a fantastic and wide-ranging conversation about the future of local businesses and new avenues for growth. Here's what Leela had to share about her visit: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/advocacyinsights/Details/strategic-conversations-with-the-honourable-leela-aheer-strategic-advisor-for-the-alberta-india-chamber-of-commerce-300899
Keep an Eye out in the New Year for McMornings!
Starting in the new year, keep an eye out for McMornings every other week. A collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the Brooks' McDonalds' to bring a local business some morning coffee and breaky treats. It's our way of celebrating the incredible businesses that make businesses thrive!
Every other week we will post about the initiative, and YOU can vote on who we should surprise with a morning treat. Vote for your favourite local spot or even your own business.
Advocacy in Action
Buy Canadian policy launches
The federal government has announced a new Buy Canadian Policy, prioritizing Canadian-made products and services in public procurement. Through Budget 2025, nearly $186 million will be invested to streamline procurement, help SMEs access federal contracts, and direct up to $70 billion in public spending toward Canadian goods and services.
The policy aims to strengthen domestic supply chains, create local jobs, and help businesses compete in strategic sectors. Full implementation is expected by spring 2026. Learn more
Next Level Events
The Value of Foreign Credentials and Work Experience
Medicine Hat Economic Development is excited to invite you to a free virtual session designed to help employers confidently hire and retain skilled newcomers. "The Value of Foreign Credentials and Work Experience" | December 10 | Time: 12:00- 1:30PM (90 minutes)
What you’ll learn:
- The value and limits of credential recognition (WES/IQAS)
- How to evaluate candidates through practical, skills-based methods
- How to apply competency-based approaches to real hiring situations
Reserve your spot today by registering here: https://bit.ly/Medicinehatwebinar
Recruit, Reward and Retain: Discover the Power of Employee Benefits
What if you could use strategic employee benefits as a secret weapon to stand out, motivate your workforce, and boost loyalty? Join the Chambers Plan to Uncover The Power of Employee Benefits.
This is a free event with lunch provided by Brightan Financials: Don't miss out on lunch and networking with other Chamber members and be sure to come with any burning benefits questions you might have!
Spring Home & Leisure Tradeshow: Over 70% sold out
With thousands of consumers visiting the shows over the course of three days the Spring trade show gives an incredible opportunity to gain exposure for your business, demonstrate and sell products, and showcase your services.
The positive impact of exhibiting at a trade show isn’t confined just to the event, as 87 percent of attendees will pass along some of the information they obtain, and 64 percent will tell at least six other people about it!
Exhibitor your business at the show, happening March 6th - 8th, 2026.
We're over 70% SOLD OUT | Book your booth now!
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
JoAnne Letkeman, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Medicine Hat & District | (403) 504-2166 ext 1.
Scott Walls, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Brooks-Newell Region | (403) 892-9675
Fuelling the Business Community
New Chamber Members
We would like to welcome Ears to You Southern Alberta, Amberwood Tiny Homes, and Brady Haslam and Justin Snell Professional Corporation to the Chamber Family!
We continually look forward to helping our members during their business journey and wish each the best in all future endeavors. We are extremely happy to have such amazing members, and are very glad that we can serve a part in that journey! Keep your eye out for more new member posts moving forward!
Aecon Transportation West Ltd. Anniversaries
Congratulations to Aecon Transportation West Ltd. for 50 years with the Medicine Hat Construction Association and Plato's Superior Roofing Ltd. celebrating 60 years with the Construction Association, particularly during the Construction Association's milestone 70th Anniversary year.
We had the opportunity to not only present updates from the Chamber of Commerce to the members of the Medicine Hat Construction Association and highlight our 125th Legacy Year as an organization, but we also were able to celebrate some of our own long-standing members who are also long-standing members with the Construction Association. We appreciate their commitment and investment in the community in both our organizations. We are thankful for our ongoing work and collaboration with the Construction Association to help improve the business environment for our industry members.
Fill Up On Funding
Grants, funding and supports for non-profits
This is your one stop for charitable and non-profit organizations to access information, funding, resources, services and supports to help organizations throughout their entire lifecycle. You will find everything from starting a non-profit, managing your non-profit, accessing supports and services to strengthen your non-profit, finding funding, to closing a non-profit.
Investment and Growth Fund
IGF is an invite only deal-closing incentive designed to be offered in select late-stage investment decisions when there are demonstrable barriers to making a final investment decision in Alberta. It focuses on securing high-impact private sector investments that create new, well-paying jobs, spur economic growth and enhance Alberta’s productivity. The IGF program targets new investments and expansion projects located across the province: https://www.alberta.ca/investment-and-growth-fund
Methane Reduction Deployment Program Funding
Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Methane Reduction Deployment Program is designed to help Alberta’s oil and gas industry cut methane emissions faster and more cost-effectively. Funded through Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system, the program supports the deployment of commercial-ready technologies that detect, measure, and reduce methane. The program will continue until March 31, 2029, or until funding is fully allocated.
By providing up to 50% of eligible project costs—to a maximum of $1 million per project—ERA is making it easier for producers to act now, strengthen competitiveness, and demonstrate leadership in responsible energy production. With a focus on commercial-ready solutions, the program aims to significantly cut methane emissions while supporting economic growth and regulatory readiness. Learn more here.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the November 25th crossword puzzle.
Remember that subscribing to our weekly email gets you access to the crossword puzzle. Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw.
The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master.
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