Airdrie Chamber of Commerce President, Mike DeBokx

Once the dust settled on January 25th's information session on the status of some of Alberta's key topics, members of the community had a chance to reflect.

Kent Rupert, Economic Development Team Leader with the City of Aidrie, says the afternoon was a great sign that the province is hearing the needs of our community.

He voiced a respect for our leaders taking the time to go to the "grassroots" to find out what how the local resident feels about the issues.

"An opportunity like this is really good to give our local business community one on one, what their concerns and their accolades are. Whatever they want to say to the ministers. I think all parties should do it."

Airdrie Chamber President Mike DeBokx says that it's great to have the open line with the provincial level, especially when it comes to small business.

"I think a lot of that had to do with the school crisis, and our involvement with that" says DeBokx. "Our trip up to the legislature last year, I think, really opened up some eyes because it wasn't just a city thing, or a school division thing, the business community was involved as well. They realized there's something going on here. It's given us a bit of a spotlight; they know who we are and when we want something, we're not going to be quiet about it."

Being recognized as a 'forward thinker' by the province's leaders was something DeBokx felt was seen in the afternoon itself.

"We don't want to copy what other people are doing, we want to be the leader, in that we're trying to be forward thinking more-so-than reactionary. Being ahead of the curve. Stuff like this, bringing the Ministers in, opening up to have our membership have the one on one time I think is really important."

70 members of the community, made up of mostly Airdrie Chamber of Commerce members, enjoyed the information session held Wednesday, January 25, at Woodside Golf Course.