Alberta Chambers of Commerce, Chair Elect, Shawna Miller. Photo/abchamber/web

By Courtney Almeida

Chair Elect

Shawna Miller elected Chair of Alberta Chambers of Commerce

Jun 1, 2019 | 7:00 AM

Alberta Chambers of Commerce has announced that Grande Prairie native Shawna Miller will be the new Chair for the 2019-2020 year.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a non-partisan grassroots organization that advocates to the provincial and federal government on behalf of small businesses.

The announcement came at the business advocates annual general meeting on May 25 but Miller has been preparing to transition into the role for the last four years.

“I’m very proud to be able to serve in this role in our province and I’m excited for the opportunities that it offers,” says Miller.

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The past-president of the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce has a Degree in Economics from the University of Alberta and an impressive resume to boast, which includes two decades worth of business experience.

“I think I have a lot to contribute to the local business community with some of my pervious experience and you know, Grande Prairie has got a lot of unique perspectives. We’re a very successful community and I think that some of the things that we have learned here in this area are definitely applicable to the rest of the province,” said Miller.

Her work ethic has led her to become a successful entrepreneur. Eighteen years ago, Miller and her husband Jason bought three Subway stores. Now, the couple owns a chain of 17 Subway Restaurants across Alberta’s northwest and employs over 175 workers.

In 2004, they were named franchise of the year for Canada’s Western provinces. In 2006, 2008, and 2010 they were awarded the title of Highest Sales for a Multi-Unit Owner across Canada and the United States.

In addition, Miller also owns an oilfield service company and a property investment company.

When asked what she will focus on working towards in her new role Miller notes that, “before the election we launched the Vote Prosperity, which was bringing some awareness to issues that businesses are facing and now that the election has wrapped up, we are taking those messages and refining them so that we can get them in front of the Government and really make them understand what businesses, not only in this region but across the province are facing.”

On June 25, in support of Political Action Day, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce will be presenting policies to the new Government.

She adds, “One of the biggest things I’m hoping to accomplish is to work on Red Tape Reduction, on the layering of costs that businesses have been experiencing. That’s one of the things that I’m hoping our Vote Prosperity campaign can really bring forward.”

On the Provincial Governments introduction of the Red Tape Reduction Act, Miller says that she wants to wait to take a look at the proposed legislation before formulating a message but that, “Alberta businesses have been under a lot of pressure with the recession and the Alberta Chamber of Commerce has been very active in advocating Government to be very cautious about the layering costs from businesses. One change doesn’t necessarily amount enough to be problematic for a business but many of these changes can.”

The local business owner has experience sitting on several volunteer not-for-profit-boards too, including Tiny Hands of Hope, Prairie United Way and Business Link and Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.

She has two years experience as Chair for the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce but has been apart of the Executive Committee for five years and served on the Board of Directors for eight.

“I really think its important to get involved. There are many challenges that face businesses and the best way to tackle those is to be involved with your local Chambers,” said Miller.