As I sat down to write this address, I made notes upon notes of things to mention. 2020 has been quite the year. It has been filled with triumphs, challenges, community, and change. Businesses were forced to adapt their way of doing business, Residents forced to adapt their day to day. We stood united in a fight against an ever changing disease, with hopes that it would all be over soon. Earlier today, we listened to our Premier again launch a plan for reopening Alberta, a possible light at the end of the tunnel. As business owners we know though, the challenges of this past year will be evident for years to come. Together we have fought this far, and together we will continue the fight to rebuild our businesses, our lives, the community, and the economy.
The Langdon & District Chamber of Commerce grew its voice over the past year to include over 70 members from diverse and unique industries. We saw businesses open their doors, and some that closed their doors forever. It was a year like no other. We launched a digital footprint project, Visit Langdon as a one stop shop for all things Langdon. Included within residents, visitors, and potential investors can find a host of information, find a new business, see job postings, or check out local events. As members, your advertising on Visit Langdon is included with your membership, with the option for upgrades.
Winter brought our holiday lights contest, Light Up Langdon. Langdon residents and businesses showed up strong to Light Up Langdon, and bring a little cheer to one another during the holiday season. It was amazing to see every evening the comments on the various Langdon facebook groups discussing how impactful something like Christmas lights could be, and how much joy it brought to the community.
2020 was a year of big changes in Langdon. It was definitely a challenging year for residents and businesses to navigate the construction season, with 3 huge projects within Langdon. The Langdon Firehall and Quad Diamond construction went full steam ahead – both with anticipated openings this year. And Center Street got a much needed upgrade to its storm water management as well as an expansion of lanes and our first traffic lights. In addition, the much anticipated Langdon High School is expected to break ground later this year.
Just a short month ago, we came together, albeit virtually, and honored the Business Community during the 2nd Annual Golden Horseshoe Business Excellence Awards. 17 businesses, both members and non members of the Chamber of Commerce were recognized by the Hamlet of Langdon for their efforts to be the best of the best. While awards were given to only 17, everyone of the nominees have gone above and beyond every single day. It may sound cheesy but you are all winners in my book.
It has been my pleasure to hold the office of President over the last four terms. It is a title I hold most dear in my heart. In this time, I have been honored to build relationships with elected officials, government administration and management, business owners and members of the community. I am so proud of the community we have all chosen to live, work and play in. I am honored to have been a part of such an amazing organization and to have been trusted to be a strong voice for the community.
I would like to take this time to also thank the LDCC Board of Directors for the countless volunteer hours in supporting the business community of Langdon and area. Your dedication to the community is commendable. As well as offering thanks to the administration at Rocky View County, especially within the Economic Development Office to which we work closely and often with in our advocating efforts in regards to the future of Langdon and area. And a final thank you to our elected officials, at all levels of Government for your continuous support of Langdon and area.
There is a big year ahead of all of us. A year of regrowth. A year of possibilities. A year of change. We have heard numerous times this year that we are in this together. Together we have built a strong, resilient community. Together we will continue to take Langdon into the future and thrive.