The Innisfail Chamber of Commerce is planning some March and April events as well as looking ahead to the fall season.
Executive Director Jane Duncalfe noted the annual trade show is coming up on April 20 and 21. It gives local and out-of-town businesses the chance to make people aware of their business.
This year's show will include a new section, Duncalfe said.
"We have a tourism section," she said, noting some local tourism operators have already signed up for booths at the show.
In total 38 booths of 100 available have already been booked.
There are two events in March. The first is a mayor's prayer breakfast scheduled for March 15 at the legion.
Duncalfe said Rodd Sawatzky, the chaplain for the Calgary Stampeders, the Calgary Flames and the Calgary Roughnecks will be the speaker.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Ministerial Association. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the chamber of commerce office or through various local churches.
On March 20 Jacqueline McCook from the Royal Bank of Canada will be giving a session on succession planning for businesses, Duncalfe said.
The location and admission fee are yet to be determined but Duncalfe said the session will start at 8 a.m.
For those looking to attend general chamber meetings, the board meetings are open to everyone and meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. Duncalfe said the meeting locations are to be determined.
She also reminded people to start thinking about nominees for the business awards that will be given out later this year.
"The business awards we will be doing in conjunction with the town gala," she said. The gala will be in the fall but start to consider nominations now. The categories are small business, customer service, farm family and business contribution.
Nominations are due by Sept. 5 for the 2012 awards.
Other chamber initiatives include the electronic highway sign to promote local events and local businesses, and the phonebook.
Duncalfe reminded prospective members there are benefits to joining the group, including better rates for the trade show, lobbying at the federal and provincial levels and networking.
"We are always looking for memberships," Duncalfe said.
For more information on the Innisfail Chamber of Commerce or the trade show, check out www.innisfaillive.ca.
