The Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce board of directors, front row, from left: secretary Shayla Farough, treasurer Heather Donahue, president Mike Bourassa and vice-president Kayla Weston. Back row, from left: Coun. Aaron Poytress, Marty Van Ee, Dave Boot, Desiray Vandervalk, Ashley Tebbutt and youth member Tessa Van Hierden. Missing from the photo are Brent Feyter and Suzy Magalannes.
Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce reflected on the past year last month while gearing up for the coming year.
The Chamber held its annual general meeting at the REO Hall where reports on the previous year were presented and a new board of directors was elected.
“This past year has been a busy and a successful year,” Chamber president Mike Bourassa said in his report to members.
“Our memberships are sitting at over 100 members, which is outstanding. We will strive to maintain this level of membership and hope to attract new members as we move forward.”
Fourteen people turned out for the annual general meeting, where Bourassa was returned as president for another year.
Bourassa noted the Chamber staged several events in 2025, including:
- • The Battle of the Businesses in June at Midnight Stadium.
- • The Taste of Fort Macleod on Main Street in September.
- • The 12th Street Business Showcase in September.
- • Moonlight Madness in November, in conjunction with the Santa Claus parade weekend.
- • The annual Citizen of the Year and business awards gala in February.
Over the past year, the Chamber of Commerce has continued working in partnership with the Town of Fort Macleod to attract investment in a large hotel.
The Chamber also worked with Livingstone Range School Division to develop a program that exposes students at F.P. Walshe school to the work environment of businesses in town, in order to develop skills in a variety of trades and fields.
The Chamber also partnered with HR Advantage to host a trade show for area students and residents where they could learn about careers and job opportunities in Fort Macleod.
Another new partnership involved the Fort Macleod Agricultural Society, which led to the Battle of the Businesses being held at Midnight Stadium in conjunction with the pro rodeo.
“As we move along in 2026 the Chamber plans to change its focus a bit,” Bourassa said. “While we enjoy hosting events each year, we feel that the Chamber needs to spend more time nd energy dealing with its members one-on-one.”
“We want to be more of an advocate for the business members than we have been in the past.”
Bourassa said the Chamber will also put more focus on working with other community groups in order to build relationships that benefit Fort Macleod.
Bourassa also recognized the Chamber’s new executive director, Rachel Knudsen, who took over in October when Ashley Tebbutt resigned to pursue a new career opportunity.
“Rachel has started many new initiatives since she started and we look forward to seeing what she has in store for the Chamber in 2026,” Bourassa said.
Bourassa has enjoyed working with the Chamber board and representing the interests of the membership.
The financial report showed the Chamber had revenue totalling $104,650 in 2025, which was down from $147,628 the previous year.
Expenses totalled $129,958 last year, which was down from $151,714 in 2024.
That left the Chamber with a new loss of $25,308 in 2025.
After the new board of directors was elected, Bourassa presented gifts to departing directors John Guliker and Emily McTighe.
The Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce board of directors, front row, from left: secretary Shayla Farough, treasurer Heather Donahue, president Mike Bourassa and vice-president Kayla Weston. Back row, from left: Coun. Aaron Poytress, Marty Van Ee, Dave Boot, Desiray Vandervalk, Ashley Tebbutt and youth member Tessa Van Hierden. Missing from the photo are Brent Feyter and Suzy Magalannes.
Outgoing directors John Guliker and Emily McTighe received gifts Thursday from Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce president Mike Bourassa.
