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Thursday, November 03, 2022City of Airdrie becomes official sponsor of Home and Lifestyle Show
Genesis Place was full of various vendors and exhibitors for folks to browse during the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce's Home and Lifestyle Show, wich made a full in-person return on April 23 and 24, 2022. Photo by Riley Cassidy/The Airdrie Echo/Postmedia Network Inc. jpg, AIArticle content City of Airdrie council unanimously voted in favour of a staff recommendation to continue subsidizing costs related to the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s Home and Lifestyle Show in return for being named an official sponsor
Wednesday, September 28, 2022Airdrie Chamber to host event during Homecoming Festival
On October 1, the City of Airdrie will host a free Homecoming Festival to welcome back the community and show appreciation for the vital services, first responders, and neighbourhood businesses. The fun-filled tailgating event will feature kids and youth activities, motivational wellness talks, fireworks, and a drive-in outdoor movie! The day's thrilling high point will be a performance with Canadian musicians Scarlett Butler, The Blake Reid Band, Lisa Brokop, Julien Austin, and Kyle McKearney at Ed
Monday, September 12, 2022Wendy Contant honoured for commitment to community
Nobody at airdrielife was surprised when local gal-about-town Wendy Contant was presented with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award September 21. Wendy was an Amazing Airdrie Women finalist a few years back and continues to do amazing things for our community. In fact, the only person who was surprised was Contant herself when Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards popped in on her with the award literally while she was decorating smile cookies at Tim Horton’s. “It’s hard to express how very grateful and
Thursday, June 09, 2022Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Excited for upcoming RWB Conference
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Crossfield Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting their annual Rural Women in Business (RWB) Conference on June 22. The theme this year: resilience. According to Marilyne Aalhus, the Executive Director for the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, the conference is for employees and business leaders who want to communicate, learn, and network with one another. Not sure what to expect at the RWB? Aalhus says "There will be a lot of laughs... and maybe a
Thursday, June 02, 2022State of the City Address with Mayor Peter Brown
Today, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce hosted this year's State of the City Address with the keynote speaker being Mayor Peter Brown. Mayor Brown addressed some of the highlights and what to look forward to in the future. Mayor Brown started by saying it is nice to see everybody back in person throughout the community. “The Children's Festival was rockin’. They had thousands and thousands of visitors from Airdrie and outside of Airdrie.” Brown also touched on how much Airdrie is growing and says
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Wednesday, June 01, 2022Airdrie Chamber Of Commerce Executive Director Wins Executive Of The Year Award
On May 29, 2022, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce recognized one Alberta Chamber Executive during their 84th AGM, whose contributions to the Alberta Chamber Executives committee has been outstanding, as demonstrated by their participation level at meetings and their leadership shown throughout the previous year. Fellow peers nominate and vote for the winner. Marilyne Aalhus began her role as Executive Director 3 ½ years ago and continues to lead and grow the chamber staff and membership, provide valuable
Wednesday, June 01, 2022Airdrie and Crossfield Chambers partner for second Rural Women in Business Conference
Crossfield and Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s annual Rural Women in Business Conference is making a return on June 22 to offer a day of networking and learning among female business leaders around the region. The event will be in-person, being held at the Crossfield and District Community Hall, featuring keynote speaker Leslie Horton of Global News Calgary, business exhibits, food and networking opportunities. Marilyn Aalhus, executive director of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, said the full-day
Tuesday, May 24, 2022Airdrie Chamber of Commerce named Chamber of the Year
The Airdrie Chamber kicked off 2020 with optimism and enthusiasm,” says Marilyne Aalhus, executive director of ACC. “In fact, our first workshop of the year was ‘This Year is Going to be Different.’ Little did we know how different it really was going to be! Fortunately, with the guidance of our strong board and our dedicated staff, it did not take long for our Chamber to regroup and refocus our efforts to best support our business community.” In 2020, the ACC has connected with almost all members via
Wednesday, April 13, 2022Some of the hardest hit businesses could be eligible for support subsidies
A variety of businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and, without government subsidies and grants, some businesses could have shut down permanently. The Government of Canada says businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector have been deeply impacted by the pandemic and could now be eligible for a wage and rent subsidy of up to 75 per cent. Some of the hardest-hit businesses affected by the pandemic might be eligible for the Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program. In order to apply
Friday, April 01, 2022News Release: 2022-06-14 COVID-19 warriors honoured By Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
On Thursday, March 31st, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce celebrated 12 local businesses that exemplified outstanding acts of service, exceptional leadership, as well as helping ease the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the community. According to Marilyne Aalhus, the Executive Director Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, the conception of the awards was brought forward by a local business, JHH Transport Ltd. “They have done this in other communities and Airdrie is their home. They thought, ‘why not
Monday, February 28, 2022Chamber Market expands as growing number of Alberta businesses join e-commerce marketplace
NEWS RELEASE February 28, 2022 Chamber Market expands as growing number of Alberta businesses join e-commerce marketplace Innovative platform a blueprint for shop local movement in Western Canada A growing number of Alberta businesses are gaining traction in the competitive sphere of e-commerce thanks to Chamber Market, a made-in-Alberta online marketplace. Since December, Chamber Market has expanded to feature:More than 200 Alberta businesses selling their products, with more than 600 currently
Thursday, February 10, 2022An update on Airdrie's very own shop local website
Written by Marissa Ochsner Thursday, Feb 10 2022, 2:47 PM With its soft launch in the summer of 2021, airdrie.chambermarket.ca continues to grow in popularity. When the COVID-19 Pandemic first hit and multiple rounds of public health guidelines came as a result, there was a big emphasis in Airdrie on supporting local businesses. Since March of 2020, many local businesses had to close in compliance with various rounds of public health guidelines while big-box franchises found ways to consistently remain
Wednesday, February 09, 2022Show your local love today
Written by Tia Leonard Wednesday, Feb 09 2022, 2:01 PMDuring the month of love and just in time for Valentine's Day, Airdronians can support their city in style. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce launched the ‘Show Your Local Love’ Campaign in an effort to encourage the patronage of local community businesses. The Chamber first came up with the ‘Show Their Local Love’ campaign a few years back and they hope that bringing it back will give local businesses the support that they need. Executive Director,
Thursday, February 03, 2022New award to be presented at upcoming Airdrie Chamber Luncheon
The Airdrie Chamber will be adding a COVID Warrior Winner to their March Luncheon plans. Marilyne Aalhus, Executive Director for the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, says they are implementing the COIVD Warrior Award to recognize those in the community who have made a positive impact throughout the past couple of years. “We are trying to do our best to reward people for being kind and helping make a difference throughout the pandemic.” Nominations are open for the COVID Warrior Award under a few general
Thursday, January 13, 2022One of Airdrie’s largest events is back in action
Written by Connor May Thursday, Jan 13 2022, 4:16 PM The Airdrie Home and Lifestyle Show will be back in Airdrie this April. Ashley Sinclair, the Events Coordinator for the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, says the show will be taking place April 23 from 9 am to 5 pm and the 24 from 10 am to 4 pm at Genesis Place. The price to get into the event will be $5. “The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce hosts more than 200 exhibitors during the show from both Airdrie and the surrounding area. This is an excellent place
Friday, December 10, 2021Shopping local benefits everyone, now it's easier!
Shopping local supports your friends & neighbours, boosts the local economy, and benefits everyone. (Credit: Courtesy Alberta Chamber of Commerce | Photography by Adrien Veczan Photo) We've been through a lot the last couple of years, and it's been tough on everyone. We all miss the way things were before the pandemic, but some of us have struggled more than others. Many people out there are just trying to make ends meet. So, what can we do to help? We can support local businesses by shopping local this
Wednesday, November 03, 2021The Airdrie Chamber holds 2SLGBTQ+ 101 breakfast
Written by Connor May Wednesday, Nov 03 2021, 3:20 PM The Airdrie Chamber held a small breakfast yesterday (November 3rd) to give local businesses the opportunity to ask questions about how they can better serve the LGBTQ+ community. Marilyn Aalhus, who is the Executive Director for the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, was very happy with what was discussed at the breakfast. “It spoke to businesses specifically trying to understand the use of proper pronouns in the workplace, equipping your business
Wednesday, October 06, 2021Key take-aways from Candidate Forum: Airdrie's present problems and future outlook
Written by Anna Ferensowicz Wednesday, Oct 06 2021, 7:36 AMOn Tuesday, October 5th, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce held a virtual Municipal Election Candidate Forum. The Mayoral and City Council candidates presented their visions for Airdrie's present and future. Each candidate had a chance to introduce themselves, as well as field questions that were based on the Vote Prosperity business platform developed by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Candidates also answered questions from the public that had
Tuesday, October 05, 2021Airdrie Chamber of Commerce launches online form for businesses struggling with Restrictions Exemption Program
Written by Anna Ferensowicz Tuesday, Oct 05 2021, 1:26 PMThe Airdrie Business Chamber of Commerce is coming to the aid of frustrated businesses that aren't getting the answers they need from the provincial government. Since the Restriction Exemption Program has come into effect last month, there have been businesses that are not able to find clear and specific answers as to whether or not they qualify for the program. "Different kinds of youth programs and different types of in-home structures, don't know
Friday, October 01, 2021The city council hopefuls are ready to “take the stage” at the October 5th forum
Written by Connor May Friday, Oct 01 2021, 1:18 PM With the Municipal Election coming up on October 18th, the Municipal Election Candidate Forum hosted by the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, which will take place over Zoom, might be able to answer some burning questions Airdronians may have. Marilyn Aalhus, Executive Director for the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, says she has a good idea as to what questions the Chamber will be asking the candidates. “The questions that the Chamber asks are always geared
Tuesday, August 17, 2021Chamber looking for businesses to join online platform
It won't be long now until a new online portal for local businesses will be up and running. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce said it is getting ready for the fall launch of ChamberMarket.ca, an online shopping platform highlighting local businesses. "This platform is available for all businesses, members and non-members, with or without existing e-commerce capability," said Executive Director of the Chamber Marilyne Aalhus. "Think of it like the mall of Airdrie, online!" The website is designed to
Thursday, July 15, 2021The Alberta Chamber of the Year resides in Airdrie
Earlier this afternoon (July 15) the Alberta Chamber of Commerce handed out a variety of awards to members from across the province. While the awards were meant to come as a surprise for the winners, the Executive Director of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce knew one was coming to them as soon as the Alberta Chamber started to recap many of the things the winning Chamber had done to deserve it. "It was pretty funny," explains Marilyne Aalhus, "They were reading the announcement and as soon as I
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Airdrie Festival of Lights wins Best Community Attraction award
The Airdrie Festival of Lights (AFOL) beat out community events from across the province in 2020 to win 'Best Community Attraction' in this year’s Alberta Business Awards of Distinction. Michelle Pirzek, executive coordinator of AFOL, said the board was shocked and surprised at their victory, calling the win “unexpected.” She emphasized all of the work that goes into planning and executing an event of AFOL’s scale and duration. She said for last year’s event, the total execution of the festival wouldn’t
Monday, July 05, 2021Airdrie Chamber receives much-needed money for small business
Nearly $85,000 has been given to help local businesses still struggling from the effects of the pandemic. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce recently announced it was approved for funding from the federal government's shop local initiative. "It's unfortunate that it had to happen because of COVID," said Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus. "Now, it's an opportunity for us to do more to support local businesses in our community." The money will help with the Chamber's plan to build an online platform for
Saturday, June 19, 2021Airdrie and Crossfield Chambers celebrate successful virtual women's conference
Lani McLeod, the Executive Director of the Crossfield Chamber of Commerce, admits they didn't quite know what to expect when the 2021 Rural Women in Business Conference had to move online this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. The Crossfield Chamber originated the event but this year they asked the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce if they'd like to get on board and Marilyne Aalhus, the Executive Director of the Airdrie Chamber, agreed they would. In 2020 the event had to be cancelled because of the
Thursday, June 10, 2021Nominations open for 2021 Airdrie Business Awards
Nominations are now open for the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd annual Airdrie Business Awards, offering residents the chance to recognize local business excellence. “Obviously, we all know businesses have been through an awful lot in the last year and a half, so more than ever, we really do need to champion and celebrate the accomplishments our businesses have had,” said Marilyne Aalhus, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. According to Aalhus, nominations will remain open until
Thursday, June 03, 2021Airdrie Chamber anticipates Mayor's State of the City Address
With COVID-19 cases falling and restrictions slowly lifting for both businesses and individuals, Airdrie business owners are anticipating trying to slowly get back on their feet. Many of those owners will be also anticipating what Mayor Peter Brown will have to say about that and the state of the Airdrie economy at his annual State of the City address hosted by the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday (June 8). The event goes virtually on Zoom from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Chamber Executive Director
Friday, May 28, 2021Airdrie Chamber to focus even more on shopping local
This week the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce gathered, virtually, for its Annual General Meeting and promised to focus efforts on promoting the Shop Local movement more than they already are. As they do that over the next year, the Chamber Board will be very familiar with each other. The entire board that served Airdrie business in the past 12 months has offered to return for, what they hope will be, a much brighter year ahead as COVID-19 restrictions are set to ease. "We've been through a hard time
Wednesday, May 19, 2021Airdrie Chamber of Commerce to provide COVID-19 rapid tests to local businesses
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce has announced it will be providing complimentary COVID-19 rapid testing kits to local businesses that apply. “We wanted to do more to assist our business community with keeping the work environment safe for their employees – and of course, clients,” said Marilyne Aalhus, executive director with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce. Aalhus said the initiative came about after a conversation took place between representatives from the provincial government and the Alberta
Wednesday, May 19, 2021Airdrie Chamber of Commerce offering COVID-19 rapid testing kits
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is offering COVID-19 rapid testing kits to local businesses. “In conjunction with vaccinations, businesses can stop the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing rapid testing for employees,” says Marilyne Aalhus, executive director of ACC. “In partnership with the Alberta Chambers and the provincial government, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is offering complimentary COVID-19 rapid tests to eligible businesses. By testing employees, businesses can stop outbreaks before they
Friday, April 30, 2021Airdrie chamber contest promotes local businesses
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is running a campaign throughout the month of May to encourage Airdronians to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staring May 3, the chamber is asking residents, while still following all public health orders, to get out and support local shops, services and products. Participants are asked to post a picture of their shopping experience on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win $100 worth of weekly prizes. Executive director of the Airdrie Chamber of
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Airdrie Smitty’s to shut down amid continuing economic woes
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt across the business community in Airdrie, and the re-establishment of government restrictions on April 7 has led to another restaurant casualty. Earlier this month, the Airdrie Smitty’s in East Lake announced the diner will be closing its doors for good on April 30. In a Facebook post, the restaurant owners indicated the decision came as a result of tightening restrictions on in-person dining. “We want to send a huge thank you to our staff and
Wednesday, March 31, 2021Chamber asks for your feedback on advocating for re-opening of businesses
The executive director of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is sending a call out to local residents for their feedback on how the organization can best advocate for businesses regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. “Together, we are stronger,” says Marilyne Aalhus. “We encourage our entire business community to provide feedback so that we can continue to communicate to the Province asking for support and a clear message.” Residents can have their opinions taken into consideration by filling out a
Thursday, March 25, 2021Airdrie Chamber looks to business community for suggestions on getting clear messaging from the government
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce has done everything they can think of to advocate for a clear and safe reopening plan for businesses in the city and in the province from COVID-19 restrictions. Now, they're looking to the Airdrie business community to suggest other ways to advocate to the government for a clear way forward for businesses to safely reopen. On Monday (March 22) Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said the government was pushing pause on its plans to enter Phase Three of the Path
Monday, March 08, 2021Women in Leadership: Marilyne Aalhus
In recognition of International Women's Day on March 8, the Airdrie City View is profiling four women who hold leadership positions, in a four-article series that focuses on how these women have helped their respective organizations navigate the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our fourth and final profile is on Marilyne Aalhus, the executive director of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce.In recognition of International Women's Day on March 8, the Airdrie City View is profiling four women who hold
Wednesday, February 17, 2021Airdrie Chamber and entrepreneurs ask Alberta government to allow businesses to reopen
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce (ACC) recently joined with more than a dozen local business owners to send a message to the Alberta government. That message being: “it is time to allow local businesses to reopen safely.” On Feb. 2, the ACC sent a YouTube video to Premier Jason Kenney, MLA Angel Pitt, MLA Peter Guthrie, and the Government of Alberta COVID-19 Task Force in an attempt to “show the faces of local businesses who are directly affected by the current government of Alberta COVID-19
Tuesday, February 16, 2021Airdrie Chamber doesn't see many results from meeting with the Premier
On February 9th, representatives from Alberta Chambers of Commerce sat down on a Zoom call with Premier Jason Kenney to talk about COVID-19 and their desire to let more businesses that have been closed off-and-on during provincial restrictions open safely in the province. The meeting included the President of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Nikki Nordick, Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus along with several other Airdrie reps. Aalhus says topics of conversation ranged from the pandemic to the
Monday, February 01, 2021Chamber awards $1,000 grants to five local businesses
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce (ACC) recently awarded five local businesses $1,000 grants as part of the Wear it Proud campaign. Wear it Proud was an initiative to raise funds for local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by selling Heart Airdrie toques during the month of December at more than 10 local retailers. “We simply wanted to support our business community by raising funds for businesses that were struggling during the pandemic and incorporate the support of the community who
Friday, January 29, 2021Airdrie Chamber encourages community to Wear it Proud
The Wear it Proud campaign, led by the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, is an initiative to raise funds for local businesses by selling branded toques. “We brainstormed a way to support shopping local by purchasing an item at local retailers while raising funds to support local business that are struggling to due to COVID,” says Marilyne Aalhus, executive director of the Chamber. According to Aalhus, the impact of COVID-19 has left many Airdrie businesses needing resources and relief. Fifty per cent of
Thursday, January 28, 2021Airdrie Chamber video advocates for local businesses to reopen safely
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is working on a video campaign that will feature local business owners, in an attempt to grab the attention of the provincial government. The video will come shortly after Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, announced Jan. 22 that pandemic-related restrictions will remain in place for the time being. “We are fully aware that the government is obviously taking extreme precaution around health and safety,” said Marilyne Aalhus, executive director
Monday, January 25, 2021Airdrie Chamber advocating for business reopening in video campaign
Whatever wind may have been left in the sails of Alberta businesses that have to remain closed during current government restrictions was stilled last week when Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced, on behalf of the government, that those restrictions would remain in effect. Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes, entertainment businesses such as bowling alleys and casinos, gyms, and fitness facilities along with many other businesses remain closed and have been since the mandatory restrictions were put in
Thursday, January 14, 2021Alberta Chamber calls on government to safely reopen shuttered businesses
The Alberta Chamber of Commerce (ACC), including the Airdrie Chamber, has had enough of the confusion over certain businesses being allowed to open at limited capacity while others have to remain closed during the Alberta government's current restrictions. For that reason, they're calling on the government to find ways to safely reopen closed businesses wherever possible. That call came after Premier Kenney announced last week that current COVID-19 restrictions would remain in place for at least
