It's a brand new chapter for businesses across the region as the Lacombe and Blackfalds Chambers of Commerce are merging.
"The major reason that we are choosing to merge with Lacombe is so we can gain stronger advocacy for the Blackfalds chamber. As they have full-time staff, it also helps on a whole different level - the local, the regional and the provincial levels - for them to represent all of our businesses for sure," said Shawna Wyatt, president of the Blackfalds chamber.
"Expanding marketing opportunities is a big one for us as well," she said. "This will improve visibility, and marketing strategies."
The move, which was voted on back on Feb. 6, brings more than 100 new members into the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce, said Wendy Buyar, Lacombe chamber's executive director.
"We are super excited to welcome these new members, and we will be visiting all of them over the coming weeks," she said.
"This merger strengthens our network, fosters greater collaboration, and enhances opportunities for all our members."
Looking ahead, to mark the merger, a special event is planned.
"We are hosting an exciting team-building event on May 23 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC). This event will be a fantastic opportunity to welcome our new members, build strong relationships, and create a unified business community that thrives together."
Further details will be announced in the weeks to come.
In the meantime, the Lacombe chamber has also welcomed a new team member to help further engage with the community.
"We are excited to welcome Shelby Sproule to the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce team as our new member services coordinator. Shelby will be actively visiting businesses in the coming weeks to ensure (they) are maximizing the benefits of their chamber membership."
"We want to make sure everyone is getting the proper use out of their memberships, and that they are using all of their membership benefits," said Buyar.
Sproule noted it's very exciting to have Blackfalds onboard.
"Just to get to know them, learn what they are all about, and to welcome them," she said. "I'm also looking forward to getting out into my own community, and talking to people. I've been around here for 25 years, so I do know people, but not necessarily in the business capacity. So I'm also really excited to get out there and meet everyone.
"I did a couple of visits yesterday, and I was in a store I had never been in before. They were willing to share with me what they do, what their product is - that is just really exciting."
And as Sproule pointed out, the business community across the region is indeed sizable, including Bentley, Clive, Alix, and MIrror among others as well.
"I've also been a previous business owner here, so I understand the ups and downs of a business, and how it goes. So when I go into a business, it's not like I'm not familiar with the struggles and the triumphs."
She also looking forward to helping members understand the many benefits - and special learning events - that the chamber hosts on a regular basis.
Looking ahead, the spring trade show is also coming up on April 18-19, at the Gary Moe Sports Complex.
Hours on April 18 are from 2 to 8 p.m. and on April 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"The goal of the trade show is to increase the exposure of local businesses, to promote Lacombe and its district, and to facilitate an increase in commercial activity within our area, while showcasing the best of Lacombe and the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce."
This year marks the 42nd trade show.
For more about being part of the event, head to lacombechamber.ca.
