As we step into 2025, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing our business community here in Red Deer and in Central Alberta. Over the past year, your Chamber has been working diligently to address the pressing issues that impact local businesses, while also creating programs and services that foster growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Our mission remains clear: to create a thriving business environment where entrepreneurs and enterprises can succeed and contribute to the vibrancy of our region.

The economic landscape in Red Deer continues to evolve, but certain challenges persist. One of the primary concerns for you, our members, is the increasing cost of doing business. Rising operational expenses- whether from supply chain disruptions, energy costs, or inflation – are putting pressure on businesses of all sizes. Furthermore, labour shortages in key sectors such as hospitality, construction, and energy remain a significant barrier to growth. Many businesses struggle to attract and retain skilled workers, which hampers their ability to meet demand and expand operations.

Another challenge is increasing taxes and fees. While we recognize the importance of sustainable municipal operations, the business community is struggling under double digit tax increases, increasing fees and utility rates. The fact that these are all happening at once is a significant strain on our local business community.

While government policies ensure a fair and safe marketplace, many of our members find the current regulatory environment complex, and at times, discouraging to investment. Whether it’s permitting, tax policies, or lack of a focused plan centered around growth and economic investment, your Chamber is committed to working with all levels of government to advocate for policies that strike the right balance between oversight and economic vitality.

Finally, access to affordable capital continues to be a concern for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Though interest rates are coming down, there remains some hurdles in securing funding, which limits their ability to scale and contribute to job creation and economic diversity.

To address some of these issues, we’ve launched several key initiatives:

1.  Business Education Opportunities

Over the next 6 months, the Chamber will be hosting many educational opportunities for business leaders covering an array of topics. From marketing to taxation to Integrating AI and innovation into your business operations, we are focused on supporting SME’s with both leader and employee‘s developmental needs.

2. Economic Development Advocacy

The Chamber has been actively engaging with municipal and provincial leaders to review governance of economic development in Red Deer and Central Alberta. We’ve participated in calls to establish a review of Red Deer’s Economic Development Model and work is now underway with the formation of a City of Red Deer Council Committee populated with key community business people to review how Red Deer manages and leads economic development for the City.

3. Membership Marketing and Promotion Project

To support SMEs in marketing their projects and products we are working on an initiative that will bring our members added marketing tools to use to promote and showcase their products and services to the community and to other businesses. Expanding the reach of your marketing efforts and connecting with more potential customers is what we are focused on. Going beyond social media advertising to building an inclusive business network is our goal. Stay tuned for more information on this initiative the coming months.

4.  Homelessness Foundation

Following the completion of our Homelessness Taskforce Report presented in April 2024, the Chamber has been working with a Transition Team to take action on the recommendations in the report. Central to that report was the formation of an independent community-led Foundation that will work with agencies and businesses in Red Deer to drive solutions for the homelessness crisis we are facing here in Red Deer. As of January 1, we are happy to report that the Homeless Foundation of Red Deer Region has been formed and is working on recruiting a Board of Directors and establishing Policies to begin its work in 2025. You can inform yourself on progress and information on the work being done here:

https://www.reddeerchamber.com/homeless-task-force

As we move forward, our success depends on a united and engaged business community. I urge all of you, our members, to stay involved – whether by attending Chamber events, joining advocacy efforts, or sharing feedback with us on the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can ensure that government policies and regulations are designed with a common goal: fostering a vibrant, growth-oriented business climate in Central Alberta.

Let’s continue to build a future where Red Deer’s businesses not only survive but thrive. The Chamber is here to support you every step of the way, but we can only achieve our vision if we work together, as one voice, one community, and one powerful force for progress. Thank you for your commitment to Red Deer and for being part of the Chamber. Here’s to a prosperous 2025!

Sincerely,

Scott Robinson
CEO, Red Deer District Chamber