Dear Chamber Members and Partners,

Please find below our September update, starting with a situational update as to the environment business members and our organization are facing and how we, the Board of Directors and staff, are dealing with the challenges facing you as members, as well as our chambers operational strategy during these difficult times.

Our members continue to experience challenging times as business owners, managers and residents. Since this pandemic took hold in Canada in March, the federal, provincial, and municipal governments have taken broad sweeping measures to protect Canadians from the COVID – 19 virus. Many of these programs are now coming to an end, or in some cases, the scope and size of the programs have changed, such as the Federal CEWS and CECRA Programs, and many deferrals like property taxes are now coming due.

Our community, region, province and jurisdictions abroad have recently seen a resurgence in the number of COVID – 19 cases. Health authorities and government leaders have expected this as we open up more business sectors, community activities and as our children return to school. Different levels of government anticipated this increase in cases as we try to return to some degree of normality. Leaders have always stated that the infection rate curve would have to remain relatively flat and monitored by a robust testing program that offers the flexibility to adjust strategies necessary for public safety.

We at the Chamber understand how devastating this pandemic is to your business, and we also have heard from you, our members, that in these rapidly changing times, a heightened awareness of the pandemic has increased not only within the business community but with your customers and within the community as a whole.

The Chamber Board of Directors conducted a virtual board meeting on September 14, 2020. Please find our chamber update below.

Networking Events

Breakfast Networking Meetings on Thursday mornings were cancelled in March for the duration of our chamber year ending June 30, 2020. We are now looking to resume these meetings in a modified, virtual format.

After Hours Mixers are cancelled, and we will work in cooperation with our partners in the future to resume these gatherings when it is practical to do so.

Our Monthly Luncheons will begin in October. This is very important as the Luncheons also serve as our General Meetings, and we would like to conduct board elections in person on October 21 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre.

Board Elections

The Board elections, although postponed, saw Wade Cummings move into the Presidency role on July 1, 2020, as Cathy Olesen fulfilled her term as president on June 30. The nomination committee will meet immediately to ensure elections are correctly conducted at the October Luncheon, which will be held on October 21 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre.

Board Meetings

The Board conducted additional meetings over the summer but has now met for the first regular meeting for the 2020 – 2021 chamber calendar year. Board meetings will continue monthly through to June 2021.

Chamber Fall Trade Fair & Sale

The Great Canadian Trade Fair was cancelled in April 2020, and a Fall Trade Fair was planned to help members promote their businesses. It was anticipated at that time COVID – 19 would have subsided in the fall and that this event could be hosted safely.

All exhibitors were given the option of receiving a refund for their April Trade Fair booking or keeping their payment at the Chamber for the Fall Trade Fair. We were very impressed and thankful for the 76 members who left their registration fees with us to participate in our Fall Trade Fair. This is a great indicator that the Trade Fair is an essential event for our membership!

Unfortunately, the pandemic has continued, and we cancelled the Fall Trade Fair, keeping everyone’s mental and physical health our utmost concern.

We hope that our Great Canadian Trade Fair & Sale will proceed as scheduled April 9-11, 2021.

Golf Tournament

Our Annual Golf Tournament was held on August 26, 2020. Ninety-two golfers enjoyed a great day on the course with many safety precautions in place to protect participants, sponsors, partners and staff. We are working out the details with the Broadmoor for another safe, fun event on June 9, 2021.

Business Awards

The 43rd Annual Business Awards will be held on November 19, 2020. Cathy Olesen and Janet Sochatsky are co-chairing this newly formatted hybrid event. Nomination forms can be found on our website at https://sherwoodparkchamber.com/events/business-awards/

Meeting Rooms

All meeting room rentals have been cancelled as of March 17, 2020. No new room booking reservations will be accepted at this time. The resumption of meeting room rentals will be addressed as we work out safety concerns for participants and staff.

Certificates of Origin Documents

Our office is now open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Please contact Kara at admin@sherwoodparkchamber.com to book an appointment to process your documents.

Member Assistance

  • Our office has been open since July 6, 2020. Our staff are also available via email and phone Monday through Friday to serve you.
  • If you have an emergency, please feel free to call Todd Banks anytime at 780-416-3056.
  • We will continue enhancing our “Shop Local” program to assist local businesses. You may have seen our Shop Local Signs throughout the Sherwood Park area and on social media.
  • We have a webpage specifically to help members with up to date information for business needs and updates from federal, provincial and municipal governments and other organizations to help you during these difficult times.

You can find our COVID-19 Business Resources page at sherwoodparkchamber.com/covid19

The Chamber Board and Staff would like to assure you that we value your membership and all the goods and services you provide to our community. We also understand the considerable stress you are going through, not only as business people but also with your families and friends. If we can help in any way or if you have any thoughts on how we can assist you through these troubling times, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@sherwoodparkchamber.com or phone Executive Director Todd Banks at 780-416-3056.

Please note; All future dates listed are speculative and may change as we follow Alberta Health Services’ direction and our Chamber’s Board of Director’s instruction.