The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) was the proud recipient of the 2017 Chamber of the Year Award for chambers with a membership of 151-350 on Saturday, May 26. Staff members, Heather Bitz and Marley Henneigh accepted the award at the 80th annual Alberta Chambers of Commerce AGM and Policy Session in Grande Prairie, amongst a group of over 100 of their peers.

The award recognizes Chambers of Commerce that have made significant efforts and accomplishments in their respective business communities. The DDCC was selected for a variety of achievements in 2017, including the Business Advocacy Committee's success in advocating for a shop local component in the Town's Purchasing Policy, the addition of the Lunch & Learn program, a second summer operating a mobile Visitor Information Center at the Royal Tyrrell Museum and other great partnerships and projects.

"It is a great honour to be recognized amongst our fellow Chambers of Commerce for our efforts in the business community, and we thank all of our Board of Directors, staff, and members that contributed to our success over the past year," stated Heather Bitz, Executive Director. Heather has been with the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce for 16 years.

Fellow recipients of the award included St. Paul (membership up to 150), Lloydminster (membership of 351-650) and Red Deer (membership over 650). The DDCC had previously received the award in 2013, when it was the host Chamber for the 75th annual Alberta Chambers of Commerce AGM and Policy Session.

Theme for the 2018 Canada Day Parade, as chosen by an online poll: THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Please note: As Canada Day falls on a Sunday this year, the parade will begin at 12:00pm as opposed to the usual start time of 10:00am. 

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce proudly organizes and funds the Canada Day parade in Drumheller each year. Our Canada Day parade celebration has always been FREE to enter, and we welcome all businesses, groups and individuals to register. 

Have your say in who wins this year's Business Excellence Awards! There are once again 6 award categories to choose from. Vote for who you would choose to win each award category starting on April 17. Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday, April 24. CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

And then make sure to get your tickets to the Celebration of Excellence on June 15 where we'll announce the winners, along with the winners of the Rotary Awards: Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Most Courteous Employee and Citizen of the Year, and the Town of Drumheller FCSS's Leaders of Tomorrow awards. Tickets on sale May 1.  

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed new Board members at their Annual General Meeting held on March 22, 2018 at the Badlands Community Facility. Elected for three-year terms with the Chamber of Commerce were:

• Joanne Contenti of Scotia Bank
• Joanne Hodgson of Fountain Tire
• Roger Stevenson, of ProPlan Financial Group/The Cooperators
• Barry Fullerton 

Current President Brock Harrington was re-elected for a two year term.

The Chamber also said farewell to some Board members - Past President Shelley Rymal and Directors Brent Walker, Chris Sadler and Jason Blanke. The Chamber thanked the outgoing members for their years of dedication and commitment.

The evening began with a wine and cheese networking reception, followed by the Annual General Meeting. Reports were given by Chamber President, Brock Harrington and Executive Director, Heather Bitz. Mayor Heather Colberg brought greetings from the Town and Constituency Assistant Mr. Damien Kurek brought greetings from MP Kevin Sorenson. Audited financial statements for the organization were also presented. The evening concluded with an open forum.

Report Package Part 1: Minutes and Reports

Report Package Part 2: Financials