Westlock County rarely gets any credit from us — if you don’t believe us, just ask them.
But there’s no denying that councillors deserve a big thumbs up for agreeing via a 5-1 vote Aug. 13 to spend $500 and join the Westlock & District Chamber of Commerce — see the story on Page 10 of this week’s print or e-edition of the Westlock News.
“I think this is actually a very economical way to be involved in the business development within the community,” said deputy reeve Brian Coleman. “By being on the chamber we would have a better sense of the new businesses coming to town and I think it’s an opportunity with very low costs.”
We were initially a little perplexed when the county didn’t jump on board back in June and instead asked for more information about the recently-reformed organization.
From where we stand the chamber is meant to be a unifying force for a community — in this case the town, county and yes, even the Village of Clyde.
And for a group like the chamber, whose mandate includes economic development, having the municipal politicians onboard is key.
See, all of our local businesses — home-based, farms, retail, industrial — are the reason these municipalities, in fact all forms of government, are able to exist.
Without businesses, there are no jobs.
And if there are no jobs, there are no taxpayers.
And without taxpayers, well there’s no money for roads, or rec centres … it’s a pretty simple equation when you think about it.
And it doesn’t matter if that business is located with the borders of the town, county or village. So long as the people working at these businesses have a local mailing address, it’s a win for everyone.
Now will the chamber and the municipalities always be on the same page skipping down main street arm-in-arm singing 9 to 5 or Takin’ Care Of Business?
Probably not if both sides are doing their jobs.
And folks that’s OK because politicians can’t be beholden to one cause, or special-interest group.
End of the day the reformation of the chamber has been one of the good news stories of 2019 and the addition of Westlock County to fold helps keep that positive momentum.
