Lethbridge, AB…The 6th edition of the Lethbridge Brighter Together Survey, conducted by Economic
Development Lethbridge (EDL), Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Lethbridge Business
Revitalization Zone (BRZ) wrapped up last month and results show a continued optimism among Lethbridge
businesses, Nearly 2/3 (63%) of businesses who answered the survey are optimistic about the health of their
business in the next 6-12 months, and the same percentage of businesses in the 2023 survey (56%) noted
expectations of moderate or substantial growth over the past 12 months.
“These results are encouraging and prove that businesses in Lethbridge do have the opportunity for success in
our city. We know that the business community in Lethbridge is filled with hard working, community minded
individuals, all the way from our small shops in the downtown to bigger operations throughout the city.” says
Cyndi Crane, CEO, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. “We know things can always be better, and that’s
where our organization and our partners can help. Providing opportunities to speak to decision makers in all
levels of government, discussing policy changes and regular communication with businesses in Lethbridge all
help create a better ecosystem for everyone to flourish.”
This year’s survey was completed by 126 Lethbridge businesses, which represent 16,509 or 22.5% of
employees currently working in the city. Of businesses that did complete the survey, 48 of them noted that
they are located in downtown Lethbridge and 30 of the respondents are considered major employers, meaning
they employ 100 or more people.
More data from the Brighter Together survey highlighted:
- The biggest strengths to doing business in the Lethbridge area include quality of life and a
collaborative environment. These were 2 of the top 3 advantages in 2023 and Quality of Life has been
the number one strength for four consecutive years. - The biggest locational challenges to doing business in the Lethbridge area include utilities costs and
municipal tax environment. Utilities cost did see a slight improvement in performance compared to
2023. - Local businesses are currently seeking the most help with strategies to retain employees and
upgrading digital processes. Retaining employees witnessed a 9% increase compared to the previous
year. - Looking to 2025, businesses in Lethbridge will be looking at cutting costs, improving company
productivity and leveraging and implementing new technologies.
“Our community should be proud that Quality of Life remains a huge advantage to doing business in
Lethbridge. The hard work that goes into making Lethbridge a desirable location is a big task and every
business, non-profit organization, community association and cultural organization have a big hand in that
along with partners from every level of government.” Notes Trevor Lewington, CEO, Economic Development
Lethbridge. “It is also encouraging to see some of the perceived obstacles in Lethbridge getting better year
over year and that the support businesses are currently looking for are exactly the types of programs
organizations like EDL currently provide. The Rural Renewal Stream and Rural Entrepreneur Stream of the
Alberta Advantage Immigration program that are administered by EDL, for example, are intended to address
the need to find and retain quality employees. In addition, our work with local manufacturers in Lethbridge
related to implementing new technologies is just getting underway.”
Results of the Brighter Together Survey were unveiled earlier today at the Mayors’ State of the City Breakfast
event hosted by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. Detailed survey results can be found on the Economic
Development Lethbridge website, www.chooselethbridge.ca.
For more information, contact:
Mark Neskar
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Lethbridge
403-393-6376
mark@chooselethbridge.ca
