History

A Board of Trade was established in Southern Alberta in 1887, but it was not until September 16, 1889 that such a body was formed in Lethbridge. This was the Lethbridge Board of Trade and Civic Committee, whose primary purpose was to incorporate the town. The organization became the Lethbridge Board of Trade on November 13, 1891 and the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce on October 22, 1947. In 1982, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce was led by a Chairman of the Board, formerly called a President, and a six-member Executive Committee. These were supported by a 30-member Board of Directors. (The mayor, Member of Parliament, and local Members of the Legislative Assembly were ex officio members of the Board of Directors. Also, certain appointees brought the membership of the Board of Directors up to about 40.) All were elected annually. Standing committees organized seminars for special interest groups, brought members up to date on recent developments in industry and business, and assembled submissions and reports for civic, provincial, and federal governments. Other committees and task forces were appointed as required.