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Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce building. (Lethbridge News Now)

Lethbridge Chamber excited for businesses reopening, in-person events returning

May 27, 2021 | 2:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Many business owners were likely pleased with Wednesday’s announcement of the Alberta Government’s “Open for Summer Plan.”

Premier Jason Kenney unveiled the new three-staged program for lifting COVID-19 restrictions with Stage 1 set to kick off June 1.

READ MORE: Province announces three-stage plan to ease restrictions

Cyndi Vos, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, says she was “so excited” after reading the details as it means more businesses will be able to reopen or can operate at a greater capacity.

“I spoke to quite a few businesses in the hospitality sector or, you know, ones that are closed now and they’re so excited. They’re posting everywhere, ‘We’re open. We’re ready to go on June 1.’ There’s a breath of relief just to have a date because we’ve gone how many times without a date?”

Assuming COVID-19 immunizations continue to rise and hospitalizations keep declining, Stage 3 could begin as soon as early July. When that happens, it is expected that all public health measures will be lifted province-wide.

For the Chamber, this means that they will once again be able to host events. Chambers of commerce typically hold several get-togethers throughout the year where those in the business community are able to network or to have guest speakers give presentations.

Vos believes the return of these types of events will be just as important for her as an organizer as it will be to business owners in the area.

“A lot of business happens at those events, a lot of connections – let me introduce you to so-and-so, let’s go meet Person A or Person B – those connections in our business community are really essential and they help promote dialogue and conversation.”

Other event planners and hosts like Exhibition Park are also encouraged by the new restrictions plan, and they hope to be able to give an update on this summer’s events schedule in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Exhibition Park encouraged by restrictions plan, but planning summer events will be a challenge

Vos is encouraging members of the public to take the proper steps to ensure that COVID-19 restrictions can be safely removed.