Facebook/Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce
The Executive Director of the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce has received provincial recognition for her leadership and impact. Dawn LeMaistre has been named the Alberta Chamber Executive of the Year for 2025.
The award was presented by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Alberta and recognizes excellence in leadership, innovation, and service across the province's 106 local chambers.
Since taking on the executive director role four years ago, LeMaistre has led the Okotoks Chamber through what the association calls "transformative growth."
The Okotoks Chamber was named Alberta's 2024 Medium-Sized Chamber of the Year, and has steadily grown membership to its highest level in five years, thanks in part to new tools like the Chamber Perks app that was launched earlier this year, and a shift toward high-impact events.
"We've spent the last four years since I've started this role just trying to navigate through what the purpose of the chamber is and what the business community needs out of that membership," said LeMaistre. "Having sat as a director for nine years on the board prior to COVID, it gave me a good understanding of what a chamber is and what businesses need out of a chamber."
LeMaistre helped launch a slate of signature events, including the annual Business Celebration Gala, the annual Trade & Lifestyle Show, and new monthly networking opportunities.
She's also championed shared events with nearby chambers, such as political forums, golf tournaments, and AGM support to help grow stronger regional ties.
"She's brought innovation, collaboration, and meaningful member engagement to the forefront," said the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Alberta in a release.
"It's a testament for my peers who have mentored me to almost pass the torch and say, 'Okay, now it's time for you to mentor the newcomers.' It's almost a rite of passage," said LeMaistre. "When you're competing against the Medicine Hats and the Grand Prairies and the Sherwood Parks of the world that have thousands of members, and then also competing with the little local communities that may have 150 members that are super, super strong and super active... it shows that what we're doing here in Okotoks is being noticed. I think that's a feather in all of our caps."
She adds that the recognition wouldn't be possible without the support of the local business community.
"I'm very fortunate that we have such an amazing community here in Okotoks. We can't wait to see what's in store."
LeMaistre reached another milestone in her career earlier this year when she earned her Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation.