Local Chamber wins award

The Redwater and District Chamber of Commerce has won a prestigious award from the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.

“It was such a shock; I think it will take a while to sink in,” says President Nicole Krill. “When we were informed of our award, it was very emotional. With us being a small chamber in rural Alberta and being run by volunteers with no paid staff, I didn’t think we would win this award.”

Joanne Williams (now councillor) and Ms. Krill took the task back in 2015/2016 while sitting on the Town of Redwater Ec Dev Board. “We saw a need for the Chamber to get back up and running to help the businesses,” says Krill. “It took Joanne & I nine months for us to do the research and get things running again. A big help with this was the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.”

“Over the years, things have changed from people sitting on the board to deciding which direction the Chamber needed to go in and what things the Chamber did. Over the last few years, we found our way, and things are going in the right direction. “says Krill

Covid came and brought with it changes businesses had to make to survive. “The restrictions were the biggest thing that hit the businesses the most. Covid changed things in a blink of an eye.”

When Covid became the most significant concern among the chamber network, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce started holding weekly call-in meetings. They are still having these weekly calls today as it is a vital part of the chamber network to come together and talk strategies, create advocacy policies and support one another.

“When the ACC started having these weekly calls, it was a great way for us as a chamber to talk to other chambers and hear what they and their members were going through. Over the last two years, during these calls, we had the opportunity to talk directly to various Ministers & Deputy Ministers of the Provincial & Federal Governments, AHS, and the Premier.”

The Redwater Chamber was awarded the 2021 Chamber of the Year Award for membership under 49 members. “This award proves that you will be recognized with hard work, dedication, advocacy and supporting local businesses. I’m so proud of our Chamber and all we have done,” says Krill.

“Although l was the past President in 2021, Sam Baldwin did a great job keeping the Chamber moving forward being President. It’s quite the accomplishment to receive your first time being President of a chamber. “

The Redwater Chamber is currently planning for the Chamber Business Awards Gala in October and Postcards to Christmas in December. Also in the works are two Business After 5 Mixers. One in Thorhild and one in Redwater over the next few months.