Executive Committee Highlights

Leadership Transition and Growth

• Our Annual General Meeting took place in the spring of 2023, marking a change in leadership as René van de Vendel stepped down after a productive 3-year term as president. Under Rene’s leadership, our Chamber experienced a structural enhancement by integrating committees and chairs, effectively dispersing the operational workload.
• Robert Woolf ascended as President and has nearly completed his first term. Robert Woolf is currently leading efforts to promote collaboration among chambers of similar size and resources in Southern Alberta. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and address common challenges collectively.
• Coaldale has experienced notable business growth. As such, President Robert Woolf and Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn have been personally visiting local businesses. These visits not only fostered stronger community ties but also contributed to the thriving business environment in Coaldale. Their engagement underscores their commitment to supporting and promoting local enterprises. Positive results have already been experienced as more businesses are signing up for membership to the Coaldale Chamber.

Membership and Fiscal Health

• We welcomed 16 new members to the Coaldale Chamber this year – a record number for our organization, bringing our total to 120 members. This surge is attributed to increased social media presence and the personal engagement initiatives as mentioned previously.
• Throughout the fiscal year, our budgetary performance has remained consistently strong. Our financial management practices, coupled with prudent decision-making, have ensured that we stay on track with our financial goals and obligations. This stability and adherence to our budget have provided us with a solid foundation for continued growth in the future.

Committees in Action

Local Advocacy

• Town of Coaldale representatives play an integral role in our organization and events, demonstrating their commitment to collaboration and community involvement. Through collaborative efforts, mutual goals aimed at supporting and advocating for local businesses and entrepreneurs are being successfully accomplished.

Political Advocacy

• The Coaldale Chamber seeks to engage with our Local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) and MP (Member of Parliament) to address business-related concerns and issues. A point of discussion unique to Southern Alberta, are initiatives surrounding the agricultural sector. These discussions are essential for advocating for policies and initiatives that support the growth and prosperity of our local businesses, farms, and community. By fostering open communication and collaboration with our elected representatives, we ensure that the voice of multiple business sectors are heard at the provincial and federal levels of government.
• In the spring of 2023, our Chamber organized a candidate forum ahead of the provincial election, inviting local candidates to engage with residents on business and community issues. President Robert Woolf emphasized the importance of ensuring candidates addressed questions pertinent to both business and community members. The forum, moderated by Wayne Street and the Chamber’s political advocacy committee chair Derek Connick, aimed to provide a fair and unbiased platform for discussion. The event took place at the Gem of West Museum on May 18, with pre-selected questions and an opportunity for public inquiries.

Event Excellence

• Our Annual Awards and Appreciation event, co-hosted with the Town, unites businesses, non-profits, and community members to celebrate excellence. Our organization manages logistics while the Town invites additional recipients, fostering warmth and inclusivity. This collaboration strengthens community bonds and highlights our community’s finest achievements.
• Business to business (B2B) meetings are consistently well-attended and are typically hosted at a local restaurant where attendees can network over lunch. An event fee is charged to cover the cost of the meal, while event promotions ensure accessibility for all participants. Guest speakers, often sourced from local businesses and organizations, enrich these meetings with valuable insights and perspectives. This year, highlights included a field trip to the new Agri-Food Hub in Lethbridge, offering attendees a firsthand look at innovative developments in the agricultural sector.
• The organizations represented in our meetings are listed below. These diverse partnerships and collaborations enhance the value of our business meetings, providing attendees with valuable connections, knowledge, and opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Link Pathway
  • Alberta Workplace Solutions (Chamber Plan Broker)
  • Fortis Alberta
  • Family and Community Support Services: Farm Outreach (FCSS)
  • Agri-Food Hub Lethbridge
  • Southern Alberta Energy for Waste Association (SAEWA)
  • Regional Innovation Network of Southwestern Alberta (RINSA)

Building Membership

• With an increase to our overall membership, the Chamber Plan associated with the Coaldale Chamber has also experienced significant growth, with a remarkable increase of approximately 40% over the past five years. This surge in membership has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in chamber plan income, indicating a strong demand from businesses eager to access the benefits offered by our membership programs.
• To capitalize on our momentum of growth, we are actively promoting all the additional discount services available on our website and social media platforms. Our aggressive marketing efforts aim to ensure that our members are fully aware of the wide array of cost-saving opportunities available to them through their chamber affiliation. By highlighting these discounts and benefits, we not only enhance the value proposition of membership but also reinforce our commitment to supporting the success and growth of local businesses.

Engaging Community Initiatives

• In an effort to boost our brand’s recognition and solidify our presence within the area, we actively embrace the opportunity to collaborate with the community, emphasizing the significance of local engagement. This collaboration operates on the premise that community members are not just stakeholders but also valued business partners.
• In the fall, we joined a mass registration event for community activities, offering two family pool passes for the 2024 season. During winter, we partnered with a Town initiative, hosting a night of the “Walk in the Park” event. Attendees enjoyed seasonal lighting while indulging in hot chocolate and donuts provided by the Coaldale Chamber.
• Throughout the year, we have also sponsored numerous community events, including our highly anticipated annual Summer Fest as well as the official opening of Civic Square. Since many businesses also support such events, it is essential for the Coaldale Chamber to lead by example and demonstrate significant philanthropic efforts.

Amplifying Voice and Visibility Through Communication

• Through the dedicated work of our Communication Committee, our Chamber has successfully amplified its voice and visibility. We have upheld a dynamic and contemporary online presence, offered valuable services such as job postings, while also strengthening our social media outreach. Our press releases and event promotions have garnered regular coverage in local newspapers, further enhancing our visibility and fostering community engagement.

Looking Forward

• We are actively planning future initiatives to further engage our community and promote business networking. One such endeavor is the hosting of a Golf Tournament, tentatively scheduled for June 2024. This event aims to foster membership growth and provide valuable networking opportunities for local businesses.
• Additionally, we are working towards organizing a job fair in our community, collaborating with neighboring chambers to ensure its success. This initiative seeks to connect job seekers with employment opportunities while supporting local businesses in their recruitment efforts.

The Coaldale Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and connected business community. As the year comes to a close, we look forward to filling new board vacancies with enthusiastic members who are eager to contribute. We remain focused on providing excellent service and advocating for our members and the community.