New events and a new executive team are part of the highlights for the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming year.
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The chamber hosted their AGM March 25 to a room full of Lloydminster’s business owners, eager to see what 2026 has to offer.
Teri-Lynn MacKie, Lloydminster Chamber executive director, says 2025 showcased the resilience in Lloyd’s business community.
“While 2025 has presented both challenges and opportunities, it has also been a year marked by progress and achievements,” she said.
Throughout the year, the chamber hosts a variety of events aimed at bringing together businesses.
“We hosted our 24th annual golf tournament,” said MacKie. “The tournament brought members together for networking, friendly competition and community connection.
“Throughout the year, the chamber continues to connect and support businesses through our core events, chamber connections and chamber on taps.”
A highlight for the organization included a record attendance for their business awards.
“It was a highlight of the year, attracting a record number of 370 in attendance,” she said. “We honoured a true icon in our business community with Richard Starke receiving a lifetime achievement award.”
Roughly a month apart, the craft fair came next in for the chamber.
“Our Christmas Craft Fair and Chamber Expo was a resounding success,” she said, noting there was a wait list for vendors and more than 16,000 in attendance.
New this year will be their Chamber Coffee and Conversations.
“We are introducing a new networking event called Chamber Coffee and Conversations with our first gathering taking place on April 15 at 7 a.m. at Noyce Photography,” said MacKie.
Christian Apostolovski – Meridian Source
Beyond networking and galas, the Chamber serves as a powerful advocate for local commerce.
“The chamber of commerce is a non-partisan organization committed to serving our members and strengthening our community,” she said. “We advocate on behalf of local businesses by bringing their priorities forward and working collaboratively with municipal, provincial and federal decision makers.”
Advocacy issues include police funding, health care issues, local procurement and airport issues.
The AGM also highlighted the changing of the guard for the chamber’s executive team. Robbie Kaschl took the gavel as incoming president from outgoing president Jackie Tomayer.
“We are very lucky to have a very strong board and I’m looking forward to working with Robbie closely next year,” said MacKie, noting the 11-member board includes an appointment for Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
The board is responsible for setting their strategy and direction for the year.
“Our first board meeting will be in April. We will discuss and have an overview of what’s going on,” she said. “They set direction on how we move forward.”
Fast approaching in 2026 is the annual golf tournament, which takes place May 26.
“That is always a fantastic day, we always sell out for registration,” she said.
A talking point during AGM presentations included chamber membership and getting the most out of it.
“It’s learning how to utilize your chamber membership to get the best value of your membership,” said MacKie, explaining some businesses pay their membership to have the chamber advocate on behalf of the business community.
“Then, we have other members join for promotion and connection.”
Those looking to get involved with the Chamber or learn more about upcoming events can find information online.
“You can check out our website, Lloydminsterchamber.com, if not give us a call,” she said. “Ryan (Topley) would love to come out and have a conversation with you and talk about the chamber membership.”
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