Regional chambers of commerce look to merge

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Collin Gallant
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Medicine Hat chamber of commerce members were asked to approve an expansion to cover Brooks businesses Nov. 30 at the annual general meeting of the business lobby group in Medicine Hat.

The same group in Brooks approved the combination in a meeting two weeks ago in that city, and now Hat, Redcliff and Cypress County business members will be asked to approve two related resolutions, the agenda shows.

Comment from local officials and in Brooks were not received by deadline.

A new “Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce” would include the current Medicine Hat chamber boundaries of the city, Redcliff and Cypress County, but add the County of Newell and City of Brooks as well as the County of Forty Mile and Town of Bow Island to the general operating area.

That requires some changes to Medicine Hat’s incorporation documents filed with the province. The resolution, if successful, would empower the incoming board to solicit the changes.

Bow Island Chamber officials told Southern Alberta Newspapers they plan to maintain operations.

The Nov. 30 AGM, president’s reception and member appreciation night at McNally’s Tap House on Third Street was open to all chamber members who registered by the ticket deadline.

Attendees also received the 2022-23 financial statements and elected a new executive committee. Three open director positions were set to be acclaimed.