Why Be A Member?
The Smoky Lake and District Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic group. Members can participate as much or as little as they like. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected from our active membership. The Board sets policy and represents the members’ interests by being the voice of business.
The Chamber seeks opportunities to host events which promote members’ business. Annual events include the Canada Day Parade, Festival of Lights, etc. Each of these showcase local business and allow the public to experience local establishments. Networking events, and business training opportunities are held planned for each month. Spotlights on local businesses appear in local media, newsletters and on the website.
Discounted rates on group health plans, merchant services, fuel programs and much more are offered exclusively to members.
The Smoky Lake and District Chamber of Commerce is constantly striving to provide value for members. The Chamber is open to suggestions and able to build capacity to suit members
Value Added Programs
Membership in the Smoky Lake and District Chamber of Commerce includes membership in the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. Great opportunities to save money through your Chamber membership!
“The Owl” An email subscription service from ATB Financial
Check it out at http://www.atb.com/learn/economics/Pages/default.aspx and sign up for a subscription if you want.
Take a look at the Owl archives at http://www.atb.com/learn/economics/Pages/the-owl-archives.aspx
The Chamber Ecosystem
Excellent essay on Chamber Membership . Click Here
Opinion: “Downtown Retailers must Adapt or face the Music”
“It goes without saying that retail shopping trends are changing and retailers especially those located downtown (for the most part) need to adapt. Hence the title of the blog I have attached that was written by David Gaines Vice President/ Morberly Area Economic Development Corp. He speaks to the need of retailers (local) having a website. We can shop on-line locally, however local retailers need to create a website for that purpose. Click Here for an article
Study: “Rural retailers need to do something—anything—about e-commerce.”
Related to the above, this article references a study done in Scotland. “…two researchers from the Institute for Retail Studies in Scotland examined the extent of online shopping on the island groups of Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides. They theorized that e-commerce would be especially attractive to island residents and therefore particularly challenging for island retailers.” Click Here for an article A link to the study is availabe in the article. A copy of the study has been purchased for the Chamber.