Lethbridge, AB…Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL), the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, and the
Downtown Lethbridge BRZ have launched the seventh annual Brighter Together Survey. This survey invites
local businesses to share insights on their current business health, plans for the coming year, and any
obstacles they are facing that organizers may help address through support or recommendations. Many
questions are repeated annually to identify emerging trends in the local business community, while additional
questions explore timely issues that may be creating new challenges.
“When we see similar results year over year from the Brighter Together Survey, it gives us a roadmap to help
shape some of the work we do and the projects we take on,” mentions Mike Prociw, Workforce Program
Manager, Economic Development Lethbridge. “Strategies to acquire and retain employees, upskilling
processes and reskilling current employees are usually topics we hear about when we ask local businesses,
so it’s no surprise EDL has added numerous initiatives, tools and resources to help with workforce concerns in
our city and region.”
Results of the 2024 Brighter Together Survey highlighted:
- Locational strengths to doing business in Lethbridge included quality of life and a collaborative
environment, while locational challenges are utility costs and municipal tax environment. - Businesses were looking for assistance with strategies to retain employees and upgrading digital
processes. - Obstacles for businesses included rising costs of labour and rising costs of inputs.
- 63% of businesses surveyed last year were optimistic about the health of their business.
- The 2024 survey was completed by 126 local businesses, representing 16,515 employees, a total of
22.5% of the Lethbridge workforce.
“The best way we can advocate for our business community is by listening and understanding where we can
support them most. The Brighter Together Survey helps us identify timely and topical concerns, as well as the
opportunities our members see ahead,” says Cyndi Crane, Chief Executive Officer of the Lethbridge Chamber
of Commerce. “While issues like tariffs still influence the broader business environment, the survey gives us a
chance to learn how this uncertainty impacts southern Alberta businesses and how we can work with partners
and government to create opportunities and provide meaningful support.”
The 2025 edition of the Lethbridge Brighter Together Survey is now live and will run through early January.
Businesses who wish to participate in this year’s survey can find a link on both the Lethbridge Chamber of
Commerce and Economic Development Lethbridge websites.
For more information contact:
Mark Neskar
Director, Marketing & Communications Economic Development Lethbridge
403-393-6376/mark@chooselethbridge.ca
