High River Chamber focused on awareness, collaboration and advocacy
— Article Published in High River Online on September 15, 2026 —
The High River Chamber of Commerce is looking to strengthen connections within the local business community while raising awareness about the services it offers.
Chamber President Tricia Bliss, who took on the role in June, says many business owners are unaware of the support available through the organization.
"We're driven by networking, advocacy. We want to be the voice behind businesses in High River and somewhere where they can go when they have issues or they're lacking something in their business and don't know where to go for support."
Bliss says one of the Chamber's biggest goals is helping businesses connect with one another rather than working in isolation.
"If you're running into a problem in your business, nine times out of 10 there's a business or two or three or four that are running into the same kind of issues."
The Chamber currently has approximately 145 members and represents businesses of varying sizes throughout the community.
Raising awareness
According to Bliss, one of the Chamber's primary objectives is increasing its visibility among local businesses.
Board members have begun visiting businesses throughout High River to ask owners what they need from the Chamber and how the organization can better support them.
"We need to, as a Chamber, get our names and our faces out there. We're trying to get out there, let people know that we're there and what we can offer."
Bliss acknowledges that communication has become more challenging in recent years as audiences are spread across multiple platforms and information sources.
"We don't have one common thing like the newspaper or the radio where everybody goes anymore."
Building collaboration
In addition to awareness, Bliss says fostering greater collaboration among businesses is another key priority.
She points to Rodeo Plaza as an example of businesses working together to create opportunities for each other through joint events and promotions.
"It's not one person just trying to drive their business. It's the whole collaboration of all of them. I think there's a lot of opportunity to do more of that."
Bliss believes stronger partnerships between local businesses can help improve the overall business climate in High River.
"We can be more prosperous and more successful when we collaborate and work together."
Advocacy and member benefits
Beyond networking opportunities, the Chamber advocates on behalf of local businesses with municipal, provincial and federal governments.
Bliss says the organization recently brought concerns raised by local businesses forward to the Town of High River.
"We put together a letter and say, 'Hey, this could be a potential problem,' and really try to advocate for those businesses."
The Chamber also provides several practical benefits for members, including employee benefits programs, networking events and marketing support.
One initiative Bliss highlighted is the Chamber Perks App, which allows businesses to promote specials and offers while helping residents discover local businesses.
"Anybody can use the Chamber app. As a citizen of High River, you can download it, see what businesses are in town and what businesses are offering specials."
Members also receive additional exposure through the Chamber's social media channels.
"That's free marketing for you," Bliss said. "We saw an uptick in our likes and interactions just because it was reaching more of an audience."
Looking ahead
As she begins her two-year term as president, Bliss says her biggest goal is ensuring business owners understand what the Chamber offers and how it can help them succeed.
"I really want to focus on that awareness piece."
She encourages businesses and residents to reach out, ask questions and become more involved.
"We want to be an active part of this community. The more people come to us and ask questions, the more insight we have into what people need and what our businesses need."