A policy put forward by the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce’s Business Advocacy Committee recommending the Town of Drumheller adopt a “shop local” component in the Town’s Purchasing Policy was approved by Council on September 5, 2017.

The Business Advocacy Committee began drafting the policy several months ago by researching purchasing policies of other municipalities in Alberta, examining the Town of Drumheller’s purchasing policy, and reviewing the trade agreements applicable to the Town of Drumheller. The policy recommendations were presented to Town Council on May 8, 2017.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce recommended that the Town of Drumheller:

1. Integrate a pre-tax differential for local suppliers of goods and services or construction, subject to compliance with TILMA, NWPTA and AIT.
2. A recommended guideline should be taken from the Town of Stettler policy.
3. Continue to adhere to TILMA, NWPTA, and AIT by using the Alberta Purchasing Connection bid system when required.
4. Post bid opportunities for any purchases of goods or services between $5,000 and $50,000 on the Town of Drumheller website.
5. Purchases of goods or services up to $5,000 should be acquired locally, when the same product or service is readily available.

The next municipal election to be held in the Province of Alberta will take place on Monday, October 16, 2017. The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and the Drumheller Sub-Local of the Alberta Teachers' Association will be hosting a Municipal Election Forum on October 4th at the Badlands Community Facility. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the forum will begin at 6:30 pm sharp.  If you cannot attend, or would like to submit a question for the candidates ahead of time you can do so here. Attendees will also be able to submit questions during the forum.

Wednesday, October 18 @ 4:00pm.  Badlands Community Facility – Hall B

A General Meeting will be held for the following purpose:

• Election of Board of Directors: 1 term ending March 2018, 2 terms ending March 2019.

For more information about the Board of Directors, contact Executive Director, Heather Bitz at h.bitz@drumhellerchamber.com or 403-823-8100.

Following the meeting, please join us for the Business Excellence Awards Gala at the Badlands Community Facility. Tickets are $35 each. RSVP to Marley (m.henneigh@drumhellerchamber.com or 403-823-8100) by Friday, October 13.

The 4th annual Spring Expo trade show will take place April 20-22 at the Greentree Mall. Book your booth by December 31, 2017 to get Early Bird pricing.

Download registration form.

*New this year- we are adding a Taste of Drumheller area to the Expo. Local restaurants, cafes, bakers and caterers are invited to participate. Only 6 booths are available- download the Taste of Drumheller form here. Email Marley or call the Chamber for more details.

We will once again be seeking door prizes, sponsors and swag bag items as well. Download the Sponsorship Package for more info.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce through the World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund presented funds to four local organizations on Wednesday, October 18. A total of $12,000 was handed out by Chamber of Commerce President, Brock Harrington.

The Canadian Badlands Aquatic Club received $3,000 towards starting blocks at the Drumheller Aquaplex. The Dinosaur Valley Heritage Society received $3,000 for phase two of their roofing project at the East Coulee School Museum. Also receiving $3,000 was the Drumheller Minor Ball Association for diamond refurbishment and a batting cage.  In addition, the Drumheller Pioneer Trail Society received $3,000 for exterior signage at their location in downtown Drumheller. Representatives from all organizations were present at the Chamber of Commerce’s General Meeting on Wednesday to accept the funding.

The World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund invests a portion of funds generated by the World’s Largest Dinosaur attraction and giftshop to enhance and enrich community economic development initiatives in the Drumheller region. To date the Legacy Fund has contributed over $617,000 to an array of worthy community group projects. The next application deadline for capital projects less than $3,000 will be March 1, 2018.

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