Coaldale Chamber of Commerce continues its important role for the business community

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Member businesses with the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce play a vital role in strengthening the local community says executive director  Colleen Van Raalte. 

That role, by the chamber’s current 125 members includes sourcing goods and services locally, which helps keep dollars circulating within the community and further supports economic sustainability.  

“They create jobs by providing stable and diverse employment opportunities and drive economic growth through their investments, expansions, and daily operations, which stimulate local business activity and contribute to tax revenues,” said Van Raalte. “Beyond their economic impact, these businesses give back through volunteering and philanthropy, contributing time, funds, and resources to causes that strengthen the social fabric. Their active participation in chamber, town, and community initiatives fosters pride in the community and helps make the area a more vibrant and connected place to live,” she added. 

While Small Business Week may highlight and celebrate local businesses for one week of the year, Van Raalte says the chamber supports and helps strengthen local businesses year-round.  

“The Coaldale Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and strengthening local businesses year-round, recognizing that in a small town like Coaldale, small business is the backbone of the community,” she said, noting that supporting local enterprise is embedded in the chamber’s ongoing programming and advocacy. “Through regular communication, networking opportunities, and initiatives that promote “shop local” campaigns, the chamber works to keep local dollars circulating within the community while building awareness of the value that small businesses bring to Coaldale’s economy and quality of life,” she said. 

Van Raalte pointed out the chamber’s essential role in connecting business owners with resources, updates, and opportunities that help them grow and adapt. 

“The Chamber serves as a reliable voice for the business community, ensuring that members are informed about local developments, municipal issues, and policy decisions that may impact their operations,” said Van Raalte. “This advocacy role extends beyond simple communication—the chamber acts as a bridge between the business community, local government, and residents, fostering dialogue that supports collaboration and progress.” 

She also pointed out the special steps the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce takes to celebrate and highlight the contributions of local entrepreneurs. 

“The Chamber recognizes its members through social media spotlights, special promotions, and community-wide campaigns, on an ongoing basis, that showcase the diversity and strength of Coaldale’s small business sector,” she said. “These efforts not only promote individual businesses but also inspire community pride and encourage residents to support local year-round.”

In addition, Van Raalte said the chamber demonstrates leadership through initiatives like hosting the Municipal Election Forum and the chamber also takes proactive steps to represent business interests, as seen in its recent survey addressing the impact of the ongoing dispute between AUPE and the Town of Coaldale. 

“The Chamber sees its role as ensuring that the voice of local businesses is heard and respected. By amplifying that voice, we aim to help shape solutions that protect vital public services while avoiding unintended burdens on small businesses,” explained Van Raalte. “Through these efforts, the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce continues to uphold its mission of fostering a thriving, informed, and connected business community.”

Van Raalte pointed out several new features introduced by the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce in the past year, to support local businesses.   

“One of the most significant new initiatives introduced by the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce this past year is the Coaldale Job Fair, that was held on March 6, at the Coaldale Community Centre,” she said, pointing out the event brought together three key groups—job seekers (including students), local employers, and non-profit organizations— in a setting designed to foster local connections and employment opportunities. 

“For employers, the job fair provided direct access to a diverse pool of candidates, a platform to promote their businesses, and the opportunity to conduct on-site interviews and assessments,” explained Van Raalte. “For job seekers and students, it offered a valuable chance to explore local career options, engage directly with hiring managers, and learn more about workplace culture within Coaldale’s business community.” 

The Coaldale Job Fair was more than just a hiring event, she noted, and represented a proactive and practical way for the chamber to strengthen the local economy by bridging workforce gaps, promoting collaboration, and showcasing the wealth of opportunity that exists in Coaldale. 

Van Raalte said the future for Coaldale businesses and the business community is promising, and noted several positive factors, including a strong population growth, strategic location near Lethbridge and the U.S. border, and a high quality of life that attracts both residents and investors. In addition, the town’s affordable taxation, expanding infrastructure, and ongoing industrial and residential developments are creating opportunities across sectors such as agrifood, logistics, retail, and professional services. 

“The Coaldale Chamber of Commerce will play a central role in supporting this growth by advocating for business interests, promoting the town as an attractive place to live and invest, and facilitating connections within the business community,” said Van Raalte. “It will also help businesses navigate local regulations, access resources and training, and adapt to modern challenges, ensuring that the business environment remains vibrant, resilient, and well-connected to regional economic initiatives.”

For more information visit https://coaldalechamber.com/the-coaldale-advantage/