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The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is the voice for Calgary’s business community. Representing businesses of all sizes and sectors, in all Calgary communities, the Calgary Chamber elevates concerns, cultivates connections, supports its members and advocates for an inclusive, vibrant and prosperous city today and for the future.
Calgary Chamber Of Commerce
President & CEO
Deborah Yedlin
Chairman
President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Deborah Yedlin, worked for many years as a business journalist writing for the Financial Post, Globe and Mail and Calgary Herald. She has contributed regularly as a business commentator for CBC Radio and Television and CTV since 1996. Along with her leadership of the Calgary Chamber, Yedlin is the 14th Chancellor of the University of Calgary. With a background in investment banking and having spent over two decades telling the stories of Calgary business community’s economic evolution and growth, Yedlin brings unparalleled expertise as CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
“I believe in this city and I believe in its potential, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in its economic recovery. I am excited to serve the business community at such a critical moment, and look forward to building on the Chamber’s history of supporting and growing the business community.”
Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber
What is the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and what do they do?
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-partisan champion for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors of Calgary. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Calgary Chamber works collaboratively to build strength and resilience among Calgary businesses, for the benefit of all Calgarians. Initially funded by a small group of business owners in 1890, the Calgary Chamber continues to advocate on behalf of commercial, industrial and civic interests.
the Calgary
Chamber Of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is the voice for Calgary’s business community, focused on building an economically stronger and more connected city. Representing businesses of all sizes and sectors, in all Calgary communities, the Calgary Chamber elevates concerns, cultivates connections between business leaders and decision makers and accelerates business growth by supporting its members and advocating for an inclusive, vibrant and prosperous city today and for the future.
Founded and run by members of Calgary’s business community including representatives from the non-profit and private sectors, the Calgary Chamber works with all levels of government to voice the interests of business owners, inform thoughtful public policy and investment decisions. Beyond advocacy work, the Calgary Chamber connects, educates, and supports Calgary businesses as they start, scale-up and grow.
As a member of the Canadian Global Cities Council, the Calgary Chamber works with other Canadian city chambers of commerce and boards or trade to find innovative national solutions to mutual economic hurdles and build more effective public policies for the private sector.
How Advocacy helps Calgary's Private Sector
The Calgary Chamber takes on complex municipal, provincial and federal issues that impact the business community in Calgary and beyond. Through advocacy and government relations, the Calgary Chamber acts as a connector and catalyst between policymakers and local business interests. The goal with advocacy is to build consensus on what is needed for businesses to succeed in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. The Calgary Chamber approaches advocacy from all angles and among all levels of government to reduce barriers, amplify opportunities and help businesses grow and thrive.
The Calgary Chamber’s advocacy focuses on public policy and investment that builds and fosters successful businesses that make Calgary communities more vibrant. When businesses are effectively supported to scale and succeed in their respective industries, Calgarians and Canadians benefit from high quality of life, connected and inclusive communities and a more resilient economy.
Working alongside eight other chambers of commerce in Canada, the Calgary Chamber is on the Canadian Global Cities Council working to develop mutual policy interests and overcome interprovincial economic hurdles.
our recent initiatives
There are many ways to help our cause
Inter-provincial Trade Barriers
Canada is a trading nation. We have what the world needs. The CGCC advocates removing inter-provincial and international trade barriers that are hurting Canadian businesses.
Airport Infrastructure
The CGCC promotes national policies for competitive and sustainable urban economies. Canada’s air transport sector plays an essential role in connecting our country and growing our economy.
Urban Strategy
There is a need for investment in a national urban strategy to enable government at all levels to align with regional priorities and work with the private sector to maximize benefits for Canadians and our businesses.
AGENDA FOR GROWTH
To ensure that our cities continue to be the best places to live, operate and invest, the CGCC calls on all politicians to create the right conditions for the future prosperity of Canadian businesses.
Outreach And Community Support FRom The Calgary chamber
Outside of advocacy and private sector development, the Calgary Chamber also helps support the broader business community through outreach and community connection. In times of crisis the Chamber leads the way to create effective and innovative solutions to current challenges.
During the post-flood recovery of Alberta’s most devastating flood in 2013, the Calgary Chamber, working in partnership with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), helped businesses navigate the crisis and return to normal business operations within months. This effort resulted in being awarded the Best Unconventional Project at the World Chambers Competition in 2015.
The Calgary Chamber is an effective innovator for various channels of commerce. Whether it is tourism, the tech sector, or attracting leading talent and skills, the Calgary Chamber has expanded various boards into autonomous entities that continue to foster Calgary’s unique private sector spirit of entrepreneurialism. Not-for-profits and private interest groups such as Tourism Calgary, Platform Calgary, Calgary Economic Development and TalentPool, have been born from the Chamber’s work, in collaboration with other Calgary partners.
The Calgary Chamber takes an innovative approach to business community development with the belief that by making Calgary a better place to live, work and feel a sense of community, it’s possible to build a hub that attracts innovation and fosters inclusive economic growth.
Media
Canadian Global Cities Council is the voice of more than half of Canada's business owners. Our views are well-researched and analyzed, sought after and respected by government, business leaders and the media.
