Sherwood Park District Chamber of Commerce

The Sherwood Park District Chamber of Commerce Year 2015/16 has wrapped up with a message from outgoing President Jeff Lorenz at the Breakfast & Networking Meeting.  The challenges for local business are varied and met head on by the Chamber!  Lorenz is optimistic for the 2016-2017 Chamber year.

Sherwood Park District Chamber of Commerce

You arrive at the Chamber meeting and have an opportunity to meet, learn and speak with like minded people in business and build relationships with each other.  It’s easy going and light hearted at times, while the topics from guest speakers vary from taxes to helping businesses grow. There are even surprises now and then, such as this from Terrell Edwards!

Hear more of Terrell during A Night of Motown at Festival Place September 3rd!

Outgoing Chamber President Jeff Lorenz has seen a year of tremendous opportunities to speak strongly and advocate on behalf of the 1200 members with the new Alberta and federal governments.  Lorenz describes the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce as well regarded in the province and across the country with an influential role on leaders.  The year was a roller coaster challenge for the Chamber dealing with two new governments and changes to tax laws.  The economy hasn’t helped with businesses and individuals providing sponsorship.  But in the face it all, Lorenz says, “Our Chamber has great programs to benefit members as they’ve stepped up to make it a success.”

The Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce supports numerous events and activities throughout the year to promote business growth.  Most notable are the Great Canadian Trade Fair & Sale, the Canada Day Parade, annual Golf Tournament and Curling Funspiel, plus Business Awards.  There are many opportunities for businesses to network.  Lorenz says, “We have the Breakfast & Networking meetings and after hours business mixers which are great for members to meet and network with each other.” Click the photo’s below for more information on each of the events.

Plans are well underway now to plan for next years events and kickoff September with the Business Awards.  Lorenz says, “It’s an opportunity to recognize different businesses in our community in various categories and we look forward to having nominations submitted.”

In his address to Chamber members, “We are 1200 members strong and an extremely active Chamber, participating both in provincial and Canadian Chamber advocacy.  We’re a young chamber established in 1978.” However,  he’s proud the Chamber is the 4th largest.  New president Dave Stanley-Smith was sworn in Wednesday, June 15th.  The board of directors consists of the following members: Todd Banks, Mike Roppelt, Sean Kirk, Gerald Clark, Rob Sproule, Wade Cummings, Sheila Smyth, Marty Shigehiro, Geoff Matheson, Jeff Lorenz, Sue Timanson, Dave Stanley-Smith, Penny Jennings. Cathy Olsen and Alan Smyth are new board members.

The 2015-2016 Executive

The feather in the cap for Lorenz from the past year is how the Chamber had tremendous support for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project.  Lorenz says , “We were the only Alberta Chamber of Commerce to be invited by Enbridge to help draft policy.  It was approved unanimously at the Provincial Annual General Meeting in Red Deer earlier this year.”  There are 128 different Chambers of Commerce throughout Alberta.

Over 90% of members surveyed by the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce indicated they receive good value for their membership.  Lorenz wants the membership to know that the board of directors and executive are advocating for lower taxes on the business community where the risk is greatest and to create jobs to keep things moving.  “We have taken a harder line approach with elected officials and are speaking out publically because we feel we weren’t being heard.”  Lorenz says, “the board decided to speak out and our position is that we cannot afford to pay more if we are going to be competitive, so we did that very well.  We know we were heard even though the taxes went up, but we certainly left a strong impression with all levels of government.  We’re 1200 members strong and united!”

Incoming president Dave Stanley-Smith begins his term July 1st.  Lorenz says he fully support him in all his endeavors and will continue to drive the priorities of business growth, support and advocacy.

Learn more about the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce and how you as an individual or business can contribute, benefit and make a difference in our community.  Sherwood Ford is a proud member.   Dealership principal, owner and President Mark Hicks thanks the board, executive and members for their work.