AGM 2026 Executive Summary
President’s Opening Remarks
NATALIE BRADBURY - Good evening, everyone,
On behalf of the Board, I’d like to welcome you to our Annual General Meeting. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces and committed members gathered together.
Before we begin, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our Executive Director Lisa, directors, and all of our members for the time, energy, and heart you’ve contributed over the past year. Your dedication behind the scenes, in meetings, events, planning sessions, and day-to-day support, is what keeps our organization strong and moving forward. Every success we celebrate is the result of your collaboration and willingness to step up and serve our community.
This past year has been a true team effort, and we’ve had some incredible highlights. From the success of the Holiday Gala, to the Career and Employment Expo connecting businesses with talent, to the recent Dine Out High River initiative that showcased our amazing local restaurants, each event demonstrated what we can accomplish when we work together. These milestones not only strengthened our organization but also reinforced the vibrancy of our business community.
The professionalism, generosity, and shared vision in this room reflect the very best of our membership. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and even more excited about what lies ahead.
Thank you all for your continued commitment. Let’s get started.
Executive Remarks: 2026 Annual General Meeting
LISA SZABON-SMITH - Reflecting on the past year, the High River Chamber of Commerce has proven that our strength lies in our resilience and our proactive approach to advocacy. With a steady membership of nearly 140 dedicated local businesses, we have transitioned from simply maintaining our presence to actively shaping the economic landscape. Our policy work in 2025 reached the highest levels of government, notably with our agriculture-focused submission fast-tracking directly to a federal committee—a rare and significant achievement that underscores the weight our voice carries in the Canadian Chamber network. We continue this momentum into 2026 by championing a "Future-Forward Digital Infrastructure Plan" at the provincial level, advocating for mandatory fiber optic installations to ensure High River’s new developments are built for the modern economy.
Growth, however, is not just about policy; it is about creating tangible value for our members and the community. We are excited to see the Chamber Perks App gain traction, offering a free platform for members to showcase their unique offerings to the public. Our signature events are also evolving to better serve the region. While weather challenged us last March, it sparked the innovation of the Showcase High River Spring Passport event (running April 10 to May 10) and an extended one-month Business Bingo this October. These initiatives, alongside our highly successful Municipal All Candidates Forum and the Fall Career Expo, demonstrate our commitment to being the central hub for local engagement and professional opportunity.
Looking ahead, we are prioritizing the longevity of our business landscape by investing in the next generation. We have raised over $2,000 for the Chamber Youth Scholarship Fund from our Holiday Gala. Launching this year, through a proud partnership with the Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship supports Grade 12 students entering both traditional post-secondary and the trades, recognizing that a diverse, skilled workforce is vital to our future. As we set our sights on reaching 150 members in 2026, we invite you to join us at our upcoming Monthly Mingles or on the green for our joint Golf Tournament on June 4. Together, we are building a High River that is connected, well represented, and prepared for the future.