While it’s been a year marked by challenges and changes, it’s also demonstrated all the support surrounding us.
For local business owners, the Stettler Regional Board of Trade has continued to make strides in providing assistance to local businesses and supporting community growth.
What is the Board of Trade?
The Stettler Regional Board of Trade is similar to a chamber of commerce – in fact they’re actually part of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce networks.
Their vision is to encourage sustainable, thriving businesses within a healthy community by helping owners be responsive to change through consultation, advice, funding, economic development and through the cultivation of entrepreneurs.
Through the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and a network of regional partners, the local organization offers value-added programs and development and training courses. Topics might include learning about financials or how to run your social media accounts, for example, and they’re all made possible by these regional partnerships, including Travel Alberta and Business Link.
And through the Heart of Alberta Dollar Program, the Board of Trade encourages Stettler residents to shop local through their choices, supporting their friends and neighbours in the local business community. To get involved, purchase a gift card at the Board of Trade office and use it within the Stettler community. Last year, they sold more than $83,000 in gift cards!
Further supporting those efforts is the Think Local Shop Stettler Program, developed to help promote shopping local while also advertising what’s available in the community.
The work of the Board of Trade doesn’t stop there though! Underscoring all their work is their strong commitment to values of innovation, initiative and collaboration. By assisting in promoting and improving trade, commerce and tourism, it’s helping build excitement for visitors to explore our beautiful community when it is safe to do so!
The supporting local matters
“It’s important that the customers are able to see and identify what’s in the community – there’s a lot of unique items in town and we want to promote that to the community members and visitors,” explains Stacey Benjamin, executive director at the Stettler Regional Board of Trade. “You can get a one-on-one shopping experience and a smile, which you wouldn’t get shopping online. Each business has a face and this is a way for you to learn about them and support them. Plus, you can feel good knowing your money is being spent and invested in your own backyard!”
If you’re interested in being involved with the Board of Trade, they’re always looking for volunteers to help direct them on the Board.
“We’re better together – we need to work collectively to promote each other,” explains Benjamin.
To learn more, visit online today and be sure to check out their monthly newsletters to stay up to date on coming events and initiatives!