My term as Chair of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce began at our recent Provincial Conference & Policy Session in Sherwood Park, May 24 to 26. Over the coming year I'm looking forward to continuing to see ACC increase our influence with both levels of government and assist chambers as you work to serve your members.

Our conference generated a great deal of energy for our federation. Those of you who attended the conference will have received an e-mail inviting you to participate in a short survey designed to help us with future events. If you have yet to respond to it, we hope you have a few moments to fill it out. Your feedback is important to us. 

 At our policy session, delegates approved 28 policies for inclusion in our three-year policy book. Click on the image to view or download it.

 Northern Gateway advocacy

A major policy thrust that emerged from this year's session relates to the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. A Joint Review Panel (JRP) established by the federal government is holding hearings across Canada on the proposed plan to build the pipelines from Bruderheim (north of Sherwood Park) to Kitimat, B.C. As part of its consultation process, the JRP is also accepting Letters of Comment, which become part of the public record. These letters are an important means for members of our federation to provide support to a project that is attracting many negative comments. ACC is finalizing an advocacy package that provides chambers with information to write Letters of Comment. Chambers will receive this package shortly. The deadline for submitting Letters of Comment is Aug. 31.

Regional Roundtable in Peace River    

In the past six weeks, ACC has held two Regional Roundtables and we are very pleased with the attendance at them. We held the first 2012 roundtable in Wetaskiwin on May 8 with 30 attendees from 17 chambers. On June 6 we travelled to Peace River for a roundtable with 14 attendees from six chambers. Next week we are holding another one in Elk Point. We will start up the roundtables again in the fall with trips to Airdrie, Whitecourt and Claresholm.

Canadian Chamber AGM

Also in the fall, many Alberta chambers will head to Hamilton, Ont., for the Canadian Chamber's 2012 Annual General Meeting. The AGM runs from Sept. 22 to 24. Registrations opened last week, with the early bird rate available until July 1.  The AGM information is available HERE. 

ACC is once again collecting voting authorization forms from chambers unable to attend the AGM. This process allows an Alberta delegate to carry your chamber's vote at the national policy session. The voting authorization form is available HERE.

Please fill out the top part of the form and sign it, leaving the bottom area blank. You can then fax it to our office at 780.429.161, or e-mail it to aroberge@abchamber.ca. If you have any questions about this process, please contact ACC's President and CEO Ken Kobly at 1.800.272.8854, Ext. 5 (780.425.4180 in the Edmonton area).

Rural Physician award deadline June 30

One more note: The deadline for the Alberta Community Physician Attraction & Retention Award is Friday, June 30. ACC sponsors this award with the Rural Physician Action Plan, and we will once again present the award at a special luncheon during our Fall Board Meeting. Information on the award is available HERE.

Summer is quickly approaching but chambers don't necessarily slow down in July and August, especially if you host your Canada Day celebrations and operate tourist information centres. Still, I hope you all have some opportunity to enjoy this wonderful season.