Do you know of a business, group or individual in our community that deserves some recognition? We want to know about it! Nominate them for the 2017 Business Excellence Awards!

Nominations will be accepted from now until August 25, 2017.

Fan voting is back this year! From September 4-8, the public will be able to vote for who they would like to see win. These votes, combined with the scores given by our Business Excellence Awards Committee, will determine the award winners.

Award categories:

• Small Business of the Year: Awarded to a business that has been in operation for at least two years, that has 10 or less employees, and that best reflects the outstanding spirit and success of the Drumheller area.
• Large Business of the Year: Awarded to a business that has been in operation for at least two years, that has more than 10 employees, and that best reflects the outstanding spirit and success of the Drumheller area.
• Most Promising New Business: Awarded to a new business that has been in operation for less than two years, and that best demonstrates potential for growth, a high level of social, cultural, and environmental awareness, a commitment to the wider community; and that engages in continuous learning or other improvement opportunities.(Formerly called Rookie Business of the Year)
• Arts, Culture & Community Award: Awarded to a business, non-profit or other formally recognized group that demonstrates outstanding achievement and contribution in the area of arts, culture, or community, and at the same time develops business acumen and management practices to ensure their long term sustainability.
• Diversity Leadership Award: Awarded to an organization that embraces diversity in their workforce, encourages respect and inclusion, eliminates discrimination and barriers, and helps to create welcoming and inclusive workplaces.
• Business Professional of the Year Award: Awarded to an individual, manager, or employee who is active in the business community and/or non-profit community, and that demonstrates professionalism and a passion for making our community the best place to work, live and do business.

The Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors currently has three vacant Director positions. These vacancies are a result of two Board members accepting transfers out of Drumheller relating to their employment (Adrian Hartman of ATB Financial and Sylvia Adams of ATCO Electric). The third vacancy is due to the resignation of Brooke Christianson of Canalta.

As per our by-laws, the Board may appoint members to fill the vacant positions. The appointments would be valid only until the next Annual General Meeting (March 2018), at which time the Director positions would be filled by election.

Prior to the Board appointing Directors, the positions must be advertised for a period of 30 days to seek interest from the membership. Following the 30 day period, the Board shall appoint Directors from the members having expressed an interest. If the number of members expressing an interest is greater than the number of vacancies (3), then a General Meeting would be called to have an election to fill the Director positions.

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.