2025 Year in Review for the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce

The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a trusted voice and champion for business. The year 2025 was defined by leadership, collaboration, and results.

Our team of staff delivered work that was guided by our Board of Directors and strengthened by members, partners, and volunteers. The chamber’s operations, partnerships, and board governance practices have been strengthened throughout 2025, to deliver value to our members.

A consistent priority for our members is the opportunity to connect and build relationships. This year, the chamber hosted 12 events covering a wide range of topics, drawing more than 800 attendees in total. The strong participation clearly demonstrates the value members place on networking, which continues to deliver meaningful—often immeasurable—benefits for those who take part.

Advocacy remained a cornerstone of the chamber’s work in 2025. Through active engagement with local government, RCMP partners, provincial and national chamber networks, and community stakeholders, the chamber advanced business-driven solutions on issues impacting our members.

Key advocacy initiatives included:

• Launching the Crime Impacts Survey to collect data and amplify business concerns;
• Advancing a Business Block Watch Pilot Project through collaboration to support information sharing and prevention;
• Pursuing an annual consultation model with the City of Cranbrook to provide input on municipal budget engagement, rezoning, and development policies;
• Reviewing and recommending letters of support for business and community initiatives;
• Participating in provincial and national policy development through the B.C. and Canadian Chambers.

These efforts reinforced the chamber’s role as a solutions-focused convener and advocate.

In 2025, the chamber continued to invest in education and professional development. Our first ever Board Governance Training was designed to train our own Board of Directors, and to offer the same to other non-profit board volunteers in Cranbrook and the region.

The fifth Annual Women’s Conference – Women Leading the Way Through Change brought together business community leaders to inspire, connect and equip attendees with practical tools for leadership and growth.

The chamber advanced workforce and industry readiness through BC Energy Step Code Training in partnership with FortisBC, supporting construction and trades in preparing for evolving regulatory requirements.

Celebrating Business Excellence

The 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards showcased Cranbrook’s business community. The newly launched Business Legacy Award will serve as an important way to recognize business owners in Cranbrook who have made significant long-term contributions.

The chamber also proudly relaunched Citizen of the Year, recognizing monumental efforts for the love of Cranbrook.

The chamber awarded its inaugural Education Grants from the Chamber’s CFKR endowment fund, to support our members’ education pursuits at College of the Rockies.

The 16th annual Cranbrook Chamber Turkey Drive demonstrated the power of business and community working together. With sponsors, volunteer, and donor support, over $70,000 was raised for programs delivered by the Cranbrook Food Bank and The Salvation Army.

The chamber also celebrated and supported local non-profits through the Spirit of Giving Lunch, reinforcing the vital role these organizations play in community economic development.

Behind the scenes, 2025 included significant work to strengthen governance, policies, and operations. Thechamber refined committee structures, improved internal systems, and invested in organizational sustainability to ensure long-term success and member value.

Membership remained strong, reflecting continued confidence in the Chamber’s leadership and relevance.

As we approach 2026, the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce remains committed to:

• Being a strong, credible voice for business;
• Supporting workforce development and investment attraction;
• Fostering vibrant business districts;
• Strengthening partnerships that drive shared outcomes.

We are proud of our accomplishments in 2025, extending gratitude to our membership, volunteers, sponsors, working partners and community. We remain focused on an even better Cranbrook through our members’ success.

Lead image: Chamber Executive Director Stacey Brensrud (left) fields questions for Downtown Business Association (DBA) President Joey Hoechsmann at the November 19 Downtown Revitalization & Tax Exemption Info Session. This event was hosted in partnership with the Cranbrook Chamber, the City of Cranbrook, and the DBA. Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce photo

Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce

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