The St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce picked up some new hardware from their provincial counterparts last month.
The local organization was named chamber of the year by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, and executive director Shelly Nichol was honoured as executive of the year.
Nichol said the recognition is meaningful both for the board and for her personally.
“It's the work that the board has (done with its) strategic plan," she said. "It comes down to the staff level, and we’ve implemented those priorities on behalf of the board.”
The chamber was celebrated for its support to local businesses through programs like the local gift card program, Nichol said.
Residents can pick up a gift card, load it with money and use it at any of the businesses that are part of the program.
“You can shop local at multiple locations using one card, so if it's a gift for someone, they're not limited to one location,” Nichol said. “You can have a coffee one place, you can buy clothes somewhere else and then have dinner somewhere else.”
The organization was also recognized for participating in the bunker program with the Salvation Army, which allows young kids to connect with different businesses and learn about leadership from business owners.
The chamber wants to help reach out to young entrepreneurs and help foster their desire to build the businesses of the future, Nichol said.
The chamber also got a nod for its change in membership structure, which allows businesses to join the chamber at different price points with different packages, including options for those who are looking to build, connect, lead and grow their businesses.
As for Nichol, she says she is proud to take home the executive of the year award.
“It feels like an honour that someone recognized you and thinks that you've demonstrated leadership throughout the previous year,” she said.
Nichol sits on the Alberta chamber executive board and the award was handed out by her peers on the board for the work she has done over the last year.
She said she loves her job with the St. Albert chamber because she is out in the community and always seeing the positive things businesses are doing.
She remains excited about supporting businesses in St. Albert and putting the city on the map as a tourist destination.
“People are coming to Alberta and they are probably going to end up in the mountains… but in between them landing here and getting to the mountains, we can get them to spend a day and come to St. Albert to see what we have to offer,” Nichol said.
