The Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce wants the town’s business community to have a stronger voice when it comes to deciding its future.
As the Town of Okotoks contemplates its future growth, chamber president Bev Carlson said the group wants to be able to contribute in the final decision. She said the fate of the population cap and finding new sources of water are two major questions facing the Town and the chamber wants to be an active part of the on-going discussion.
“The Town itself has some big decisions to be made going forward and we want to be part of that decision making process,” she said.
Carlson, who is co-owner of Ardiel Agencies, will hold on to the chamber’s top job in 2011 while there will be seven of new faces on the board this year after the group’s annual general meeting last week.
She said the chamber wants to foster a closer relationship with the new town council to be a bigger voice for its 325 members and Okotoks’ business community.
Carlson said the Chamber also wants to raise its profile in the community.
“We want everybody in town, businesses and residents in town, to know the chamber is an effective organization and is a voice for business in town,” she said.
Carlson said the annual trade and lifestyle show will remain a major priority this year. In addition to highlighting local businesses, she said the event also helps finance the chamber’s activities over the course of the year.
“I think our direction is very good, very focused right now,” she said. “I think the board last year was a really dynamic, effective group and I just see that continuing again this year.”
The Chamber will be focusing on increasing its membership this year, said Carlson. Early bird memberships are $135 and regular rates are $175. For home-based businesses, the early bird rate is $110 and $150 regular membership. Early bird membership rates are available until Feb. 1.
