Page 
Chamber has
new initiatives
in 2009
Gillian Slade provincially and federally to change
gslade@medicinehatnews.com
policies and plans that affect business and
Mary Lou Hansen
citizens in this region," said Mary Lou
President and CEO
Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Hansen, president and CEO.
Medicine Hat & District
Commerce has championed the cause of
The loss of a Medicine Hat advantage,
Chamber of Commerce
business for 109 years and added some
tough economic times and considerable
new initiatives to its plans for 2009.
price increases has prompted Hansen
As a non-profit, business membership to address those issues with the City in
driven organization with a staff that an effort to avoid loss of businesses and
The Chamber undertakes certain
includes volunteers led by a board of residents.
directors, the Chamber remains focused
initiatives, on behalf of their membership
Renovations are underway at the
on the diverse needs of the community.
Chamber's offices.
which have recently included:
"We represent our members' concerns
"This will include a small and a large
and issues through research, developing
• the federal budget,
boardroom enabling us to cater better to
resolutions and communicating with
the needs of our roughly 800 members,"
• pushing for 24 hour service at Wildhorse border crossing,
appropriate leaders municipally,
said Hansen. • promoting the right for seniors to continue working after the age of 65,
• addressing the issue that funding for new immigrants currently stays in the city
where they initially arrived, even if they immediately moved to a different city
where costs are incurred in helping them settle in,
Perry and Gail Marr at
• advocating for a "Grown in Canada" label for marketing of livestock,
Hirsch Signs have served
Medicine Hat for 26 years.
• Alberta's transmission capacity upgrades for windmill energy,
We offer the same quality of
• Water for Life, Alberta's strategy for sustainability,
work as we always have.
• Putting an Alberta "open skies" policy into action,
Specializing in Safety and
These initiatives are taken to various levels of government and have been passed by
Oilfield Signs, Silkscreening,
the Alberta and Canadian Chamber delegates to remain on the government books for
large format digital printing,
action over a period of three years.
and engraving.
"After this time we can update and re- Small Business Week is another annual
implement these issues as seen to be of event organized by the Chamber to
value to our membership," said Hansen. recognize businesses for their specific
The Chamber will continue to bring
accomplishments.
special speakers to Medicine Hat such as "This year we are planning an event to
Wood Signs, Metal, Plastic,Vehicles,Windows & Walls,
the recent visit by Perrin Beatty, Canadian address the needs of Women and Health
Silkscreening Signs, Laser Engraving
Chamber of Commerce President and focusing on the unique demands placed
CEO, plus organizing an annual State of on women in business," said Hansen.
the City address by the mayor.
While the specifics have not been finalized
GET YOUR LOGO OR PHOTO PRINTED ON OUR LARGE
A changing economy and workforce there will be a special social interaction
FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTER requirements calls for new strategies and and networking event for members plus
the annual Boot Camp allows for specific an initiative to recognize elite members.
We print on decals and banners and can put the picture on
training for businesses.
any substrate up to 54” wide.
Raffle tickets will be sold to raise funds
"Our job fair this year will focus on the and with attractive prizes, including a
advantages of finding qualified workers trip to China and a houseboat vacation
841 - 14th Street SW Medicine Hat
that meet the specific needs of a business
Phone 526-8544 Fax 526-8584
in British Columbia.
rather than just filling a vacancy," said
40251283•03/24/09
Hansen.
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