The Altona & District Chamber of Commerce looked back on the progress and challenges of 2023 at its annual meeting last week.
President Cal Smith said in terms of growth, last year was a success for the organization.
“Through our partnership with SEED, we really gained some traction on our plans. We refocused on a more connected business community, making sure we can provide the best value for all our members.”
There are currently about 200 members benefitting from chamber programs. Smith said networking with them was a big focus last year.
“There have been numerous discussions with the new and current businesses and the services both the Chamber and SEED can offer to help them navigate the challenges of starting their business. This dialogue has led to many new Chamber members we worked with throughout the entire business cycle, so it’s been a fantastic continuation of our plan between those two.”
He emphasized the importance of engagement within the business community.
“Talking to people, face to face. Being able to solve problems together. We held several Lunch and Learn and network events last year. They were all very well attended with lots of good dialogue, and many new connections being made.”
Local growth has seen several new business starts, as well as new ownership of existing businesses.
“Expansion has been good, too. The new industrial park has gained some traction. Things are looking good. But it’s not all roses. There are still some challenges.” Smith said, pointing to the rising cost of doing business, including the increase in minimum wage. “There are rising interest rates and new financing coming up next year. Staffing has also always been an issue over the last year. As the community grows, we need more staff, and as they come in, where are they going to live?”
Smith says he’s confident that the local business community is strong enough to meet these challenges.
“Being able to pivot and adapt to change is nothing new for us. Our entrepreneurs in the town and municipality will work together and we’re here to help them out.”
Meanwhile, existing programs are still gaining traction.
“Our Chamber Bucks program is still going strong. It keeps the funds in town, making sure that the money is spent here. Roughly $150,000 in Chamber Bucks were sold over the past year. And promotions such as Burger Week brought in thousands of dollars to our retail and hospitality sectors.”
Supporting Entrepreneurs through Economic Development (SEED) CAO Stephanie Harris hailed 2023 as a fantastic year.
“We saw a growth in new business, we saw a growth in new membership, and we’ve been doing events and promotions every single month. We’ve been super busy.”
Harris noted that there were also meetings with over 80 new and existing entrepreneurs over the last year.
“Those meetings have resulted in 36 new opportunities created, including new business start ups, business expansions, business grant funding, and hiring employees through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP).”
RNIP supports economic development within the community and strengthens local businesses’ capacity to develop and retain skilled workers. Since the program launched in 2018, over 130 job offers have been provided, which created a total population increase of approximately 355 people, including spouses and children.
“The federal government announced last week to eventually make the program permanent, based on the success and response and the advocacy that has been taking place,” Harris said. “In the interim, the federal government is launching two new pilot programs. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), which will both launch this fall. We look forward to submitting an expression of interest application and receiving a positive response, given our community’s experience administering the RNIP program.”
Harris also highlighted the Alliance Tax Incentive program offered by Altona and Rhineland. This three-year financial program rebates 100 per cent of municipal taxes back to businesses for the new construction of a commercial or industrial building, or a substantial building addition or expansion.
“Through this program, the Municipality of Rhineland has rebated over $113,000 and the Town of Altona has rebated over $71,000 in 2023 for new construction of a commercial or industrial building.”
The chamber also introduced a business grant program.
“In 2023, SEED provided $98,500 in grant funding to new business startup, expansion, or purchase of an existing business in the region,” Harris said. “If you are starting, growing, or relocating a business, please contact SEED or the chamber and let us assist you through the entire process as you strive for success in your business journey.”
