Presented by EllisDon, the evening recognized 45 very deserving finalists and celebrated the hardworking business community.
“This is such a special event for the Airdrie business community, and we could not have done it without the amazing support of our sponsors and the tremendous efforts of our Chamber team! The Chamber is so proud of all the finalists and winners, and we were elated to celebrate so many amazing businesses this year,” said Marilyne Aalhus, Executive Director.
View the winners here: https://www.airdriechamber.ab.ca/aba-business-awards
“Things looked different from pre-COVID, but we were pleased to hold the event in person, thanks to the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP),” says Marilyne. “I wish we could have given every business an award. Considering what the business community has gone through with COVID, it’s good to see a celebration of accomplishments.”
But it wasn’t just the businesses celebrating. The Airdrie Chamber itself is thrilled to have won Chamber of the Year.
“There are 120 Chambers in the province; it felt really great to receive one of the awards that was given out.” says Marilyne. “We know our team works exceptionally hard servicing the business community. COVID changed everything. To win during these extra trying times was really special.”
To help local businesses thrive during these changing times, Chambers across Alberta are teaming up to launch ChamberMarket.ca, an ecommerce platform for businesses to sell their products and services in one place. It’s a local online marketplace.
Chamber Market is in its infancy with businesses and products being loaded daily and the interface itself in development, but it is open for business. On the site you can shop small businesses in your own community and across Alberta. Delicious treats for you and your pets, clothing, accessories, woodwork and more are all at your fingertips.
“The goal is to support local and small business,” explains, Marilyne. “Being online right now is essential for businesses to succeed. Many learned the hard way during COVID. The Chamber Market is a really wonderful program that our government felt would help small businesses. It is going to be a lot of fun to go into that market, support local, and do your Christmas shopping without leaving home! The launch has been quiet as we get products uploaded. There are over 200 products on the platform today. You will see and hear more about it in the coming weeks, but you can go ahead and start exploring now.”
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce also wants to remind shop owners that support is at hand.
“We encourage businesses to join the Chamber,” Marilyne concludes. “There is so much benefit, especially now with the crisis hurting entrepreneurs. We provide a lot of help and guidance. We understand that the fees and time commitment could be an issue for many businesses right now; we have been gracious in providing membership upgrades. If this is not the right year to join, we encourage you to reach out for the other ways we can support you. We are trying to do everything we can to get people through this time.”
Although times are trying right now, the Chamber is determined to celebrate the successes and move forward on innovative ways, like ChamberMarket.ca, to help the business community succeed. Learn more at https://www.airdriechamber.ab.ca.
