In an unpredictable business environment like Alberta's where economic success is still largely dependent on stable resources and agricultural commodity prices, the ability to forecast market trends and influence government policies that will encourage jobs and capital accumulation is imperative. Most companies understand the issues well. Risk management in a large corporate environment not only includes the provision for loss of physical and financial resources, but also includes an investment of time and resources on public policy issues that affect a company's long-term profitability.
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce, the province's largest business association, is a federation of 127 Chambers of Commerce, which in turn represent over 22,000 businesses. Our mandate is simple: to be the advocate for Alberta business. What does that mean? It means making effective use of our presence in every constituency to ensure that government responds appropriately to business issues like payroll taxes and the regulatory environment. Having an effective, well-represented and credible member network is what makes the chamber federation a respected and influential voice in government.
One of the ways the Alberta Chambers assists corporate members in expanding their business potential is by coordinating its efforts with the local member Chambers of Commerce to achieve the lowest possible tax and regulatory environment. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce provides the following:
- Reviews and assesses new legislation or amendments to existing acts and regulations and apprises its members of potential concerns within their industry;
- Coordinates its advocacy efforts through 127 member Chambers of Commerce; and,
- Obtains answers for individuals who are having difficulties with the government and who may not be familiar with the way the bureaucracy operates.
Based on the level of investment, some other benefits of a corporate membership include the following:
- E-mail subscription to e-newsletter;
- The opportunity to participate in the advisory network;
- Participation in the Policy Resolutions process;
- Special invitation to Alberta Chambers of Commerce events;
- Preferred pricing discounts for events; and,
- Membership recognition through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce website and through the use of the logo.
For more information on investing in an Alberta Chambers of Commerce corporate membership, please see the Investment section. To view a list of current Alberta Chambers of Commerce corporate members, please view the Corporate Members section.