2023 Annual General Meeting – Message from the Chair

Hello everyone,
I am thrilled to welcome you to the 6th Annual General Meeting of the Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. As we gather today, I am not only honored to serve as your Chair, but also deeply inspired by the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together. This annual meeting provides us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on our past achievements and set our sights on the boundless potential that the future holds.
In 2023, our Chamber has achieved a significant milestone by welcoming 42 new members, bringing our total membership to 150. We have seen a transformation in the diversity of our membership, including business associations, non-profits, government agencies, and larger organizations. To better serve the unique needs of our members, we have restructured our membership tiers, offering five distinct levels, each with tangible benefits.
Our focus on community engagement has led to valuable partnerships and recognition. We are thrilled to announce our formal partnership with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, which offers numerous advantages, including expanded visibility and connectivity. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and collaboration within the business community. We look forward to more exciting collaborations with organizations dedicated to positive change in our community.
This year, we hosted multiple in-person events in both Calgary and Edmonton and collaborated on various events throughout the province. We are proud to share that all our events were cost-neutral, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, partners, and members. Notably, we increased our presence in Edmonton with three major events and successfully organized the 3rd annual YYC Pop-up Pride Market.
Advocacy has been a key focus for our Chamber. We engaged with government officials at various levels and played a significant role in the partnership with the CGLCC for Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative aims to break down systemic barriers for 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, and we are proud to be the Regional Affiliate Chamber, shaping the Chamber’s future direction.
We are developing a comprehensive communications plan to amplify our messaging and ensure our members and the public are well-informed about our work. Your input is invaluable as we strive to enhance your Chamber experience.
This year presented unique challenges, including hate-based rhetoric and economic uncertainties. Our Chamber, which relies on volunteer efforts, is resilient and committed to overcoming these challenges. We encourage all members to get involved in any capacity they can, as the work is rewarding and essential.
The future of our Chamber is bright, with opportunities for significant progress. We will continue to implement our strategic plan and focus on growth management, sustainability, and enhancing the value we offer to our members. We are more optimistic than ever about the impact we can have on our community and province.
Our success is a result of the support from our members, partners, sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and fellow board directors. Your dedication and commitment to our Chamber’s mission are invaluable, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you.
As we move forward, let’s work together to make our world a better place for everyone. Thank you for being part of our remarkable journey.
With my gratitude,
Moe Yassine
Board Chair
Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce