(Medicine Hat, AB) May 31, 2025 – The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce commemorated its 125th anniversary by hosting the 87th Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) Annual General Meeting and Policy Plenary Session in Medicine Hat from May 29 to 31. This milestone event brought close to 200 delegates from across Alberta with 32 Chambers to celebrate a legacy of business leadership and to shape the province’s economic future.

The three-day event featured a dynamic mix of networking, policy debate, and community celebration, including the ceremonial unveiling of “Commerce Way” and a gala at Medalta in the historic Clay District. The Chamber’s legacy, dating back to 1900, was honored alongside its continued role as a catalyst for regional economic growth.

Within the event's policy leadership and advocacy agenda, there were a total of 29 policy resolutions that were adopted during the 2025 Policy Plenary Session, reinforcing the ACC’s commitment to business-focused policy development. The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce played a leading role, sponsoring or co-sponsoring six key policies that address critical issues facing Alberta’s communities and industries:

• Supporting Communities in Managing Crime, Homelessness, and Property Damage (Sponsor), advocates for equitable funding and coordinated provincial strategies to address public safety and social challenges in rural and mid-sized communities.
• Creating Jobs through Remediating and Redeveloping Brownfields (Sponsor), calls for streamlined regulations and financial incentives to revitalize contaminated sites and stimulate local job creation.
• Improvements to Regional Air Service (Sponsor), recommends increased provincial support and funding for regional air carriers to improve flight frequency, connectivity, and reliability—critical for economic development in underserved areas like Southeast Alberta.
• Domestic Reclaimed Water Use (Co-Sponsor), supports the adoption of guidelines to enable the use of greywater for non-potable purposes, promoting sustainability and water conservation.
• Establishment of a Pre-Approved Trade Corridor for Economic Growth and Investment (Co-Sponsor), proposes a national infrastructure corridor to diversify trade routes and reduce reliance on U.S. markets.
• Alberta’s Role in Enhancing Interprovincial Collaboration (Co-Sponsor), encourages streamlined credential recognition and regulatory harmonization to improve labour mobility and economic integration across provinces.

“These policies reflect the Southeast Alberta Chamber’s deep commitment to practical, forward-thinking solutions that support both local businesses and Alberta’s broader economic resilience,” said Steven Pudwell, President of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.

The local Chamber also was able to celebrate the Chamber's legacy of impact. From its origins as the Medicine Hat Board of Trade in 1900 to its current role as a regional economic driver, the Chamber has consistently championed business interests, community development, and policy innovation. Hosting the 2025 AGM and Policy Session is a fitting tribute to 125 years of service and a bold step into the future.

For more information, visit southeastalbertachamber.ca or abchamber.ca.

• 87th Alberta Chamber of Commerce Provincial Conference Agenda
• Southeast Alberta Chamber 125 Anniversary Legacy Projects 
• Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Policy Page
• Alberta Chambers of Commerce: May 31 Media Release

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Steven Pudwell, President

c/o Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce

(403) 527-5214 ext.225

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 over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 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.