I believe in the greatness of Calgary’s companies.  I believe they can do great things.  And they are located in the best city to live and work in the world.  It is that belief that drives us at the Calgary Chamber.

Last year we worked with our members and staff to determine how we could build a better Chamber.  I came away continually heartened by the people who expressed their support, willingness to be part of the process and wishes for a strong and vibrant Chamber. 

In the end, it is clear we must deliver value and meaning to our members.  And we are moving decisively in that direction. Yesterday we outlined how we will accomplish that goal during our Annual General Meeting.

Learn more about the new direction of the Calgary Chamber, as well as the programs and services we will be introducing throughout 2012 to better serve your business needs.

Wednesday  May 9, 2012
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
DeVry Institute of Technology
2700 3rd Avenue SE - Room 201 (Free parking on site)

As part of the expanded member exchange programs the Calgary Chamber is offering Connect for Lunch. Designed to fit into a 60-minute lunch hour, Connect for Lunch offers members dedicated time to connect, exchange and introduce you and your business to others.

Connect for Lunch offers members the opportunity to choose their lunch connections and to share their skill set and a business challenge, so others can offer their services, advice and solutions. Available for members only at $20 per person, and with limited numbers available, Connect for Lunch is a sure way to meet the people you want to meet to build your business.

Have you heard? We launched our new website on Monday April 30 with a bunch of great new opportunities for you and your business to connect with the business community at large.

Learn more about how you can maximize your exposure...

Thursday, May 17, 2012
7:15 am – 9:00 am
Calgary Chamber – ENMAX Ballroom
100 6th Avenue SW

Last year Canada’s largest financial cooperative, the Desjardins Group made the move into Western Canada through its acquisition of Alberta-based Western Financial Group.

Join us for a conversation with Monique Leroux, president and CEO of the Desjardins Group, as she outlines Desjardins’ reasons for expanding into Western Canada, and discusses the contribution of the cooperative sector to Canada’s economy.

Jim Dinning, chair of the board of directors for the Western Financial Group, will be joining Leroux.

It may seem like an odd comparison, but Calgary businesses could learn a thing or two from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, promoter of the world’s fastest growing sport, mixed martial arts.

Tom Wright, director of Canadian operations for the UFC, outlined to the Calgary Chamber on April 25 some of the reasons why his company has grown over the past ten years to become one of the world’s most innovative sports leagues.

Read more from the event...

Wednesday May 23, 2012
7:15 am – 9:00 am
Calgary Chamber – ENMAX Ballroom
100 6th Avenue SW

The federal government has embarked on an ambitious plan to create jobs and economic growth by improving the conditions for business investment, and slashing the red tape that impedes economic activity.

Join us for a conversation with Treasury Board President Tony Clement for the inside story on how these efforts will impact Calgary businesses.

Friday May 25, 2012
7:15 am – 9:00 am
Calgary Chamber – ENMAX Ballroom
100 6th Avenue SW

Since the global financial crisis banks have been subject to intensifying regulation. These efforts have raised questions as to whether these moves strike the right balance between stability and competition or have they gone too far – perhaps even inadvertently adding more risk into the financial system.

Join us for a conversation with Terry Campbell, president of the Canadian Bankers Association, for an in depth look on how banks will continue to serve communities across Alberta while working to ensure that the growing list of domestic and international regulations doesn’t limit how they meet the needs of customers in the future.

Friday July 6, 2012
9:00 am
Calgary Chamber
100 6th Avenue SW

It’s time to dust off your cowboy boots and hat because the Calgary Stampede parade is right around the corner.

Join us at the Calgary Chamber for the best spot in the city to watch the parade by reserving one of our street-side bleacher seats. With the Calgary Stampede celebrating its 100 anniversary, this year’s parade is sure to be something special so reserve your spot now. Each seat is $30, and only a limited number are available.

AccelerateAB is the largest startup technology event in Alberta. The best part? It’s dominated by a majority of attendees being actual, warm-blooded entrepreneurs.

AccelerateAB is put on by The C100 and The A100, two groups dedicated to actively promoting entrepreneurship in Canada and Alberta. This event brings together seasoned veterans, young punks, quality mentors, whip-smart investors and keener students.

With speakers and mentors jetting in from across the Silicon Valley and all across Canada, this isn’t just a great tech event for Alberta, it’s a great tech event.