December 1 2021
2021 Year in Review
To our business community:
At the Calgary Chamber, we exist to help you succeed and your business grow and thrive.
Like you, this past year required us to adapt. Throughout the challenges and uncertainties, you – our members – remained our priority.
Our team: when you win, we do too
Since joining the Chamber in July, I have been inspired to lead a team committed to the success of our members. From actively seeking solutions, to bringing new tools and resources to your doorstep, the Chamber team is built with the same ingredients you use to run your business: entrepreneurial spirit, resourcefulness and a strong work ethic. When we support you in making a sale, earning a customer or client, or bringing a product to market, we celebrate with you.
Here for YYC, in good times and bad
Speaking of celebration, this year, we had a big birthday – 130 years. We used the occasion to support our business community by offering 50 per cent off Chamber membership.
When the waves of the pandemic washed over, threatening the survival of so many businesses, we shared resources and secured urgent supports. Over 70 per cent of our members accessed those supports. Many said they wouldn’t have survived without them.
In six months, we distributed more than 20,000 free rapid tests to businesses in all quadrants of Calgary.
Despite challenges, connections continued
We know connection powers our members. Despite changing rules and restrictions, we found many creative ways to come together in 2021.
We hosted 55 events including roundtables, thought leadership forums and networking sessions.
We are proud to be seen and heard as the voice of Calgary’s business community, representing you - our members - in every way you need us.
We brought Small Business Week to life in new and creative ways, capping off the week with an inspiring Awards Gala, celebrating Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit and the businesses that power it.
An exciting year ahead
In 2022, we are looking forward to delivering many new initiatives designed to support your success. This year, we will:
Elevate concerns of Calgary’s business community as third-party advocates and eliminate barriers to success.
We’ll engage you in new ways to influence and inform government on investment decisions, policy priorities and economic recovery efforts.
Continue to be the hub, convening leaders, entrepreneurs and decision makers.
Look for the launch of a new Summit event series to connect industry leaders on issues that matter in sectors including agriculture, energy, finance and more.
We’ll spotlight female gamechangers in our Women in Business event series, focusing on finance, tech and small business.
Support the businesses that are working to close gaps and eliminate barriers in Calgary.
Accelerate business growth by providing support that moves businesses forward.
We’ll kickstart a new ‘Builder’ workshop series to help new and small businesses scale-up and grow.
Be future-focused and committed to making Calgary businesses successful today and tomorrow.
Watch for our new strategy that will focus on ensuring the Chamber continues to be here for our community – amidst the rapid changes taking place in the world of today and for the new economy of tomorrow.
At the Chamber, we are successful when you are successful. That’s why, in the year ahead, I’m excited to connect with you. To build opportunities, catalyze connections and break through barriers.
On behalf of the Calgary Chamber, I wish you, your loved ones and your business a wonderful and prosperous holiday season. We look forward to helping you build your business, grow and succeed in 2022 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Deborah Yedlin
President and CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
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