The chamber of commerce will be putting on a birthday bash for visitors over the weekend as a contingent of business people descend on St. Albert for the Alberta Chambers of Commerce provincial conference and policy session.
The event is a big deal in chamber circles, as it’s the one time each year when individual chambers bring policies for discussion, said Lynda Moffat, CEO of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce.
The three-day conference will bring between 150 and 160 delegates from across the province, Moffat said.
“These are all business owners so it’s a very good opportunity for them to have a look at just what we’re all about here,” she said.
“You could see a lot of inquiries about maybe setting up business here. That’s certainly our hope.”
The chamber bid on the event to coincide with the city’s 150th anniversary. It’s been emphasizing the city’s botanic arts brand in all its communications and is hoping that leaves an impression on visitors, Moffat said.
The conference includes speakers, networking functions and a tour of local spots, including downtown, Grain Elevator Park and the Enjoy Centre.
The event will fly under the radar for most residents but is an important calling card for the chamber and local business, said Mayor Nolan Crouse.
He will address the delegates and plans to share a message of welcome.
“What we’re going to continually try to do is leave the impression that we’re the botanical arts city, that we’re a good city, that we’re open for business,” he said.
“When I get to address them, I’m going to be making sure that I reinforce that we want commerce in this city and that if we can attract commerce on the botanical arts side, that would be a good thing.”
The conference runs May 12 to 14 at various venues throughout the city.
