She Means Business. And She's Coming to Lacombe.

Jun 25

Mark your calendar. On March 2, 2027, the Lacombe Memorial Centre is hosting the She Means Business Prairie Summit. One day, around 250 women, and a whole lot of ambition under one roof.

We have been dreaming about this one for a long time. Now it is real, and we cannot wait to tell you about it.

So what is it? The Prairie Summit is a one-day conference built for the women driving business across Central Alberta. The founders and the dreamers. The ones running the show and the ones just getting started. It is a day to learn, to connect, and to walk out feeling like anything is possible.

Here is what we love most about it. We are bringing a world-class business event right here, to Lacombe. No long drives. No big-city price tag. Just a powerhouse day of inspiration in our own backyard, built for our own community.

The lineup is coming together beautifully. We will have keynote speakers to make you sit up straight, and we will be announcing those names very soon. Trust us, they are worth the wait.

Around the keynotes, expect a full day of substance. A real-talk panel with women leading businesses on the front lines across our region. Breakout sessions on the things that actually move the needle, from building a brand that sounds like you to silencing that little voice of self-doubt we all know too well. And the connections you make over coffee might just be the best part of the whole day.

None of this happens without the businesses who believe in it. A huge thank you to our early supporters who said yes before the doors were even open. Burman University. New Country 95.5. Busted Ladies Lingerie. Holm Collective. Supernova Creations. Gift Smack. You are helping make this day happen, and we are grateful.

Want to be part of it? There are a few ways in.

Come as an attendee. Tickets and registration details are coming soon, so keep an eye on our website and socials.

Come as a sponsor. If you want your business in front of 250 driven women from across Central Alberta, and you want to stand behind something that matters, let's talk. We have sponsorship spots at a few levels, and we would love to find the right fit for you. Reach out and we will send the details.

Spread the word. Know a woman in business who needs this day? Tag her. Tell her. Bring her along.

Lacombe has always known how to show up for its own. This is our chance to do it again, in a big way.

More to come, and soon. We will see you on March 2.

Chamber of the Year. And This One Belongs to You.

Jun 25

We have some news worth celebrating. The Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce has been named Chamber of the Year by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

We are proud. We are a little stunned. And mostly, we are grateful.

Here is the thing about an award like this. It does not go to an office or a logo on a door. It goes to a community. And ours is something pretty special.

Since 1924, this Chamber has existed for one reason. Because the businesses of Lacombe and district wanted it to. More than 350 of you carry that forward today. The shops on Main Street. The trades and the ag operations. The home-based startups and the family businesses passing the torch to a second and third generation. When the Alberta Chambers of Commerce looked at what we built together this year, they were really looking at you.

So what does Chamber of the Year actually mean? It means our members show up. It means our volunteers give hours they do not have. It means a ten-member board that pours real heart into this work. It means business owners who mentor the newcomer, sponsor the event, and answer the phone when a fellow member needs a hand. That is not something you can fake for an awards application. It is who we are.

We will also share that our team earned a national nod this year. Our Executive Director is one of the country's nominees for Executive Director of the Year. That recognition is humbling, and we want to be clear about what it reflects. No one does this work alone. Behind every line on that nomination is a staff of three, a committed board, and a membership that makes the job a joy.

Here is what this means going forward. We are not going to coast on a trophy. If anything, it raises the bar. We have big plans for the year ahead, including some exciting things on the horizon that we cannot wait to tell you about soon. The recognition just confirms what we already believed. When Central Alberta businesses pull in the same direction, we are tough to beat.

To every member, volunteer, sponsor, and partner who made this happen, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. This award sits in our office, but it represents every one of you.

Lacombe has always punched above its weight. This is just the latest proof.

Here is to what comes next.

Wendy

The Economic Impact of Local Events in Lacombe

May 12

From trade shows and markets to community festivals and business celebrations, local events do far more than bring people together — they help power the local economy.

In communities like Lacombe, events create opportunities for businesses, strengthen tourism, encourage local spending, and showcase the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that makes our region unique. At the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce, we see firsthand how community events contribute to growth and vibrancy throughout Lacombe and District.

Events Bring Customers Through the Door

When people attend an event in Lacombe, they rarely visit just one location. A family attending the Trade Show may stop for coffee downtown, shop at local boutiques, fuel up at local gas stations, or stay for dinner afterward.

That increased foot traffic benefits:

Restaurants and cafés
Retail stores
Hotels and accommodations
Service providers
Attractions and tourism operators

Events encourage residents to rediscover local businesses while also introducing visitors from surrounding communities to everything Lacombe has to offer.

The Chamber’s annual Trade Show & Marketplace, for example, brings together businesses, organizations, and residents from across the region for two days of connection and community engagement.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Local events create valuable exposure for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Markets, networking events, festivals, and trade shows give businesses a chance to:

Meet new customers
Build brand awareness
Launch products or services
Create partnerships
Generate sales

For many small businesses, a single successful event can lead to long-term customer relationships and increased visibility throughout Central Alberta.

Events also create opportunities for home-based businesses, artisans, non-profits, and startups to participate in the local economy in an affordable and accessible way.

Tourism Creates a Ripple Effect

Events are also a major driver of tourism. Visitors attending festivals, sports tournaments, markets, and cultural celebrations often spend money throughout the community while they’re here.

Communities across Alberta have seen how tourism-related events contribute significantly to local economies. In nearby Sylvan Lake, tourism activity was estimated to generate more than $67 million in economic impact annually and support hundreds of jobs.

While Lacombe may be smaller in scale, the principle remains the same: attracting visitors supports local jobs, businesses, and community growth.

Lacombe’s historic downtown, local attractions, and community events help position the city as a welcoming destination in Central Alberta. Landmarks like the historic Flatiron Building continue to draw visitors interested in history, shopping, and local experiences.

Events Build Community Pride

The impact of events isn’t only financial. Strong community events help create a sense of belonging and pride that benefits residents and businesses alike.

When communities are active and engaged:

People are more likely to shop local
Businesses are more likely to invest
Visitors are more likely to return
Residents are more likely to recommend the community to others

Community pride plays a major role in economic development. Vibrant communities attract entrepreneurs, families, workers, and investors looking for places where people genuinely care about supporting one another.

The Chamber’s Role in Supporting Local Growth

The Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to support and promote events that strengthen our local economy and bring our community together.

From business networking events and awards celebrations to trade shows and partnerships with local organizations, these initiatives help create opportunities for businesses to grow while showcasing the best of Lacombe and District.

Every ticket purchased, every booth booked, and every local business visited contributes to the continued success of our community.

Supporting Local Makes a Difference

Attending local events may seem simple, but the impact is far-reaching. Whether you’re shopping at a market, sponsoring a community event, or attending a business networking evening, you are helping strengthen the local economy and support the people who make Lacombe such a special place to live and work.

Together, we can continue building a vibrant, connected, and prosperous community for years to come.

Why Businesses Are Choosing Lacombe

May 7

Why Businesses Are Choosing Lacombe

In today’s competitive business environment, companies are looking for more than just a place to operate — they’re looking for a community where they can grow, connect, and succeed. Increasingly, businesses are finding exactly that in Lacombe.

Located in the heart of Central Alberta, Lacombe offers a unique combination of strategic location, strong community support, and exceptional quality of life. From entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses to expanding companies and remote professionals, more organizations are discovering the advantages of doing business here.

A Strategic Central Alberta Location

One of Lacombe’s greatest advantages is its location. Positioned between Calgary and Edmonton along the QEII Highway corridor, businesses benefit from easy access to major markets, transportation routes, and regional customers.

This central location makes it easier for businesses to:

Reach clients across Alberta
Access suppliers and logistics networks
Attract employees from surrounding communities
Serve both rural and urban markets efficiently

For many companies, Lacombe provides the accessibility of a larger centre without the congestion and high operating costs.

A Supportive Business Community

Business owners in Lacombe often mention one thing repeatedly: the strength of the local business community.

There is a genuine culture of collaboration here. Local entrepreneurs support one another, partnerships happen naturally, and networking opportunities continue to grow through organizations like the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce.

Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an established company, there are opportunities to connect with:

Fellow business owners
Community leaders
Economic development organizations
Local customers who value supporting local businesses

In Lacombe, businesses are not just another storefront — they become part of the community.

Affordable Opportunities for Growth

Compared to larger urban centres, Lacombe offers a more affordable environment for businesses looking to grow sustainably.

Companies can often benefit from:

Lower commercial lease rates
More accessible real estate opportunities
Reduced overhead costs
Competitive operating expenses

This affordability allows businesses to invest more into staff, marketing, innovation, and long-term growth rather than simply covering high operating costs.

A High Quality of Life

Businesses thrive when people thrive. Lacombe’s strong sense of community and quality of life make it an attractive place for both employers and employees.

Residents enjoy:

Short commute times
Excellent schools and recreational facilities
Beautiful parks and trails
A vibrant downtown
Family-friendly neighbourhoods
A welcoming small-city atmosphere

For businesses recruiting talent, quality of life matters — and Lacombe offers a lifestyle that many professionals and families are actively seeking.

A Growing and Forward-Thinking Community

Lacombe continues to evolve while maintaining the character and charm that make it unique. Investments in infrastructure, community development, tourism, and local business support demonstrate a commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.

Businesses choosing Lacombe today are positioning themselves within a community that values:

Entrepreneurship
Economic development
Community partnerships
Long-term growth
Local success stories

Discover the Advantage of Doing Business in Lacombe

Choosing where to build or grow a business is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur can make. More and more companies are discovering that Lacombe offers the ideal balance of opportunity, affordability, connectivity, and community.

Whether you’re opening your first business, relocating, or planning your next stage of growth, Lacombe is a community ready to welcome you.

To learn more about business opportunities, networking events, and membership benefits, connect with the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce and become part of a thriving local business community.

Experience the Energy of the Lacombe Trade Show This April

Jan 28

Spring in Lacombe wouldn’t be complete without one of the community’s most anticipated events — the Lacombe Trade Show & Marketplace. Taking place on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, this year’s show promises two full days of connection, discovery, and local pride.

Proudly sponsored by Gary Moe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the Trade Show continues to be a cornerstone event that brings together local businesses, organizations, and residents from across the region.

Whether you’re a longtime resident, a business owner, or simply looking for something fun to do with family and friends, the Lacombe Trade Show is a great way to see what’s happening in our community.

Friday, April 17: A Strong Start to the Weekend

The Trade Show kicks off Friday afternoon, setting the tone for an exciting weekend ahead. As doors open, attendees can explore a wide range of exhibitors featuring local businesses, services, and organizations from Lacombe and the surrounding area.

Friday is the perfect opportunity to take your time, have conversations with vendors, learn about new products or services, and reconnect with familiar faces. The relaxed evening atmosphere makes it easy to browse, ask questions, and enjoy the buzz of the show as it gets underway.

Saturday, April 18: A Full Day of Discovery

Saturday brings a full day of Trade Show excitement. With more time to explore, visitors can revisit favourite booths or discover new ones they may have missed the day before. From home and lifestyle services to retail, community groups, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday also offers additional activities throughout the day, including the popular Pet Adoption Event, proudly sponsored by Curious Tails Pet Supplies Blackfalds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet adoptable pets and learn more about the important work being done to support animal welfare in our community.

Special Features You Won’t Want to Miss

In addition to the wide variety of exhibitors, this year’s Lacombe Trade Show offers a few special experiences that add even more fun to the weekend. Families can stop by for free family photos, a perfect opportunity to capture a professional-quality keepsake while you’re already out enjoying the show. It’s an easy and memorable way to mark the occasion.

Be sure to also try your luck in the Money Tunnel, where participants have the chance to win exciting local prizes. One lucky winner will take home the grand prize of $250 in Chamber Bucks, while many others can walk away with $25 gift certificates to a wide selection of local and regional businesses. It’s a quick, fun activity that highlights the strong support for shopping and supporting local.

Why the Lacombe Trade Show Matters

The Lacombe Trade Show is more than a marketplace — it’s a reflection of the strength and diversity of our local community. It brings together entrepreneurs, non-profits, residents, and visitors in one shared space, encouraging collaboration, conversation, and support for local initiatives.

By attending, you’re helping support local businesses, discovering services close to home, and strengthening the connections that make Lacombe such a great place to live.

Mark Your Calendar

Friday, April 17
Saturday, April 18
Location: Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex, Lacombe

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to spend a spring weekend while supporting local businesses and organizations, the Lacombe Trade Show is well worth a visit. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join Us for the 2025 Lacombe Business Awards Gala – October 24th

Aug 7 '25

The Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Lacombe & District Business Awards Gala on Friday, October 24th, 2025, an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals that contribute to the strength and vibrancy of our region. Each year, this highly anticipated event brings together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents to recognize excellence in innovation, service, leadership, and community impact across Lacombe and District. Whether you're a long-standing business or a rising star, this is your moment to shine. Why Attend? ✨ Celebrate the achievements of our local business community ✨ Network with industry leaders and peers ✨ Enjoy an elegant evening of recognition, entertainment, and inspiration Award nominations are now open! We invite you to nominate a deserving business or individual who has made a positive difference in our community. Let’s come together to celebrate the heart of our local economy — our businesses. Mark your calendars for October 24th, and stay tuned for event details, ticket information, and this year’s list of finalists! For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact us at executivedirector@lacombechamber.ca.