[Medicine Hat] The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) has announced the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce as one of Canada’s Top 10 fastest growing Chambers. In CCEC’s new research report, Membership Trends Across the Chamber Network, the Southeast Alberta Chamber is ranked #5 in Canada among Chambers with more than 500 members.

100 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from across Canada completed the survey, which revealed that 69% of Chambers experienced membership growth in 2024, an increase from 60.8% in 2023. Further, the national membership retention rate increased to 92.1%, up from 88.8% in 2023.

“I am excited to announce CCEC’s first annual ranking of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers of Commerce. Congratulations to these leading Chambers and their dedicated staff whose persistence and passion are uniting business communities across Canada,” said Becky Davison, President of CCEC. “It’s inspiring to see such strong membership retention and widespread membership growth across the Chamber Network. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout 2025 as we continue providing professional development and networking opportunities for Chambers”.

Lisa Dressler, Executive Director of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce was ecstatic to hear the news, stating, "this is a milestone achievement for our Chamber; to be ranked among the top 10 fastest growing Chambers in Canada is a remarkable achievement for our region and our team and we know it doesn't come easily". Dressler further commented, "it's the remarkable commitment of our members who continue to invest in us, a passionate team and volunteers and a commitment to moving forward to shape the way we do business in our region and continually adapting to provide value, service and a voice for our business community in Southeast Alberta".

The Southeast Alberta Chamber recently expanding their region through a motion at their annual general meeting in November 2023 with the formal approval of the district and name change occurring in April 2024. 

"As Boards of Trade are unable to merge organizations through federal legislation, we need to start from scratch in the Brooks-Newell region, ensuring we had boots on the ground and forming relationships with the businesses in our region, no different than our approach here in Medicine Hat", further remarked Dressler. "Forming relationships and ensuring our members are valued and see the value in the work we do will be paramount to our ongoing success and in our 125th anniversary year, we hope this milestone is only a marker of positive results moving forward into the next 125 years".

Canada’s top 10 fastest growing Chambers with more than 500 members are:

1. Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Ontario                        18.0%
2. Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba                              16.0%
3. Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, British Columbia         12.2%
4. Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, British Columbia                     8.6%
5. Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Alberta                        8.3%
6. Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, Alberta                             6.8%
7. Brampton Board of Trade, Ontario                                                  5.0%
8. Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Saskatchewan          4.8%
9. Guelph Chamber of Commerce, Ontario                                        4.1%
10. Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, British Columbia           4.0%

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Lisa Dressler
Executive Director
Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext.225

About the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce:

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For close to 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents over 800 businesses in our region and is aligned with both the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, and the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, and federally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.

About the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada:

The Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) is the national professional development association for Chamber professionals. CCEC leads the Chamber Federation – a network of 318 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade working together to enhance and celebrate the Chamber profession. CCEC provides training, conducts research, curates information and resources, facilitates networking and idea sharing, and celebrates the outstanding contributions of Chamber staff across