Thrive Forward

A Business Growth Symposium

Strengthening Community Through Business Growth

The Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce, together with Camrose County, the City of Camrose, and Community Futures East Central Alberta, proudly present Thrive Forward — a full-day symposium designed to inspire, educate, and connect Alberta’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders.

Join us for a dynamic day of learning, conversation, and networking as we explore how business success directly strengthens our communities.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

• Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Location: Mirror Lake Centre, Camrose, Alberta

Keynote Speaker

Doug Griffiths

Author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community   

President & CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, former MLA for Battle River-Wainwright, and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Doug brings deep experience in rural development, sustainable energy, and community building. His keynote will challenge communities and businesses alike to think differently, innovate, and thrive — setting the tone for a day of inspiration and action.

Featured Speakers & Sessions

       
Kaitlyn Darragh
Grant Writer & Marketing Strategist, “The Strategy Queen”   

Session: Where the Savvy Entrepreneur Will Be Putting Their Marketing Dollars in 2026

With over a decade of experience in grant writing and marketing, Kaitlyn helps organizations find the right opportunities and craft strategies that deliver. She’ll reveal where smart entrepreneurs should focus their marketing budgets in 2026 to maximize impact.

David Bayda
Manager, Client Services, Business Link

Session: AI for Entrepreneurs: More Than Marketing

David will cut through the hype and show practical, real-world applications of AI for small business, from operations to innovation — well beyond just marketing.

Ursula Sherwood
Executive Director, Community Futures Highwood

Session: The Exit Strategy You Need to Start Now — Succession Planning in East Central Alberta

Ursula draws on her background as a business owner, coach, and advisor to guide entrepreneurs through succession planning. She’ll share tools and insights from the ExitNavigator project, helping business owners start preparing for the future today.

Cathy Forner
Founder & Director, C4ner Consulting | Manager, Catalyst Incubator | EDP Coach

Session: Scaling Smart: Knowing When to Grow and How — in the Central Alberta Context

Cathy helps entrepreneurs recognize the right time to scale and how to do it strategically. Her session focuses on growing with purpose in  Central Alberta’s unique business environment.

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Other Speakers include:

Jennifer Fossen, Ec.D. Marketing and Communications Manager with Wild Rose Co-op and Jenalee Waring, Economic Development Officer Flagstaff County

Session: Flagstaff Crafted Marketplace: Turning Local Talent into Retail Success

The Flagstaff Crafted Marketplace, a collaboration between Flagstaff County and Wild Rose Co-op, is redefining how local makers, growers, and artisans access the retail environment. Launched in 2019, Flagstaff Crafted has become a driving force in helping entrepreneurs tell their stories, grow their customer base, and connect with the resources they need to thrive.

This session will explore how the Flagstaff Crafted Marketplace creates a low-risk, high-impact entry point for local producers to “try out” retail. Participants will learn how the program offers hands-on orientation, training, and market research to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions about scaling their businesses — or discovering that retail isn’t the right fit.

Attendees will also hear how this initiative has injected thousands of dollars into the local economy, equipped makers with transferable business skills, and created a vibrant, trusted space where the community can discover unique, locally made products.

Whether you’re a small business owner looking for growth opportunities, an economic developer interested in innovative community programs, or a retailer exploring new ways to support local talent, this session will inspire you with practical strategies for building stronger local economies through collaboration.

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Darrelynn Fair
Communications and Event Lead

Session: Mind the Gap: Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce

Managing a multigenerational workforce is a growing challenge and opportunity for organizations. Today’s workplaces often include up to five generations, each with unique perspectives, values, needs and work styles.

Learn to lead with empathy and flexibility, understand what motivates each generation, and really connect with your people where they are at!

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Kristy McKay
Peer Support Worker and Recovery College Facilitator, Canadian Mental Health Association 

Session: Wellness in the Workplace: Why It Matters and What You Can Do

Kristy brings experience across various community support roles including community mental health, disability support, youth homelessness, domestic violence advocacy, and hospice care. Drawing on both professional experience and her own lived journey, she is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where honest conversations about mental health can thrive.

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Panel Discussion

Rural Roots: Entrepreneurs share how they’re building competitive businesses from right here in East Central Alberta 

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Symposium Highlights

• Expert Speakers delivering actionable strategies for business growth

• Breakout Sessions on pressing challenges and opportunities

• Panel Discussion with diverse industry and community voices

• Networking throughout the day to build lasting connections

Your Ticket Includes

• Full access to keynote, seminars, breakout sessions, and panel

• Morning & afternoon coffee breaks

• A catered lunch

• Networking opportunities with fellow leaders

Ticket Pricing

• Chamber Member: $99

• Community Member (non- Chamber Member): $139

No tickets will be sold after October 10, 2025

Why Attend?

Thrive Forward is more than an event — it’s a movement. By investing in your own growth, you’re strengthening the entire community. Whether you’re seeking leadership skills, fresh insights, or powerful connections, this symposium is your opportunity to move both your business and community forward.