Congratulations to our Alberta Chamber Executive of the Year!

Dawn LeMaistre - Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce

With a deep commitment to chamber excellence and a passion for elevating business communities, Dawn LeMaistre has been proudly serving as the Executive Director of the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce for the past four years, where innovation, collaboration, and meaningful member engagement are always at the forefront.

Under Dawn’s leadership, the Okotoks Chamber has experienced transformative growth and recognition, recently being named the 2024 Medium-Sized Chamber of the Year. Membership has seen a consistent net monthly increase in membership over the past 18 months.  This combined with seeking new value-added elements for her local members by partnering with the Chamber PERKS app, the Okotoks Chamber continues to give value to membership, bringing the organization to its highest membership level in five years. The Chamber has also expanded its team, now supporting one full-time and two part-time staff members — a testament to its strengthened financial position and Dawn’s strategic direction.

A proud and active participant in the broader chamber network, Dawn has made significant contributions to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), and Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC). She has been an engaged voice in policy development and a consistent presence on the policy floor, advocating for meaningful change and representing the voice of local business at provincial and national levels.  This combined with her continued involvement with weekly, monthly, and quarterly engagements and in-person events with each of these networks and her board position with the Alberta Chapter of CCEA, she continues to work hard to make things better for her colleagues throughout the province.    

Dawn has also played a pivotal role over the past 2 ½ years with a pilot project of ACC, helping to shape and develop the new Chamber Platform, including a CRM and website solution designed to enhance chamber operations for fellow chambers across the province. The Okotoks Chamber's feedback and participation have been instrumental in the platform’s evolution and functionality — an example of Dawn's forward-thinking leadership and dedication to strengthening the chamber network.

Innovating the way chambers engage with members, Dawn led a shift away from traditional monthly meetings toward seven high-impact signature events, including an annual Business Celebration Gala, the largest Trade & Lifestyle Show in the Foothills, and two new monthly FREE networking events for her members to get engaged.  She has also prioritized regional collaboration by partnering with nearby chambers on events such as golf tournaments, political forums, and AGM support — fostering unity and stronger connections across the business community.

In 2024, Dawn proudly earned her Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation, which was awarded at the CCC AGM in Halifax, marking a significant personal and professional achievement. Outside of her chamber role, Dawn remains deeply invested in her community as a Rotarian with the Okotoks Rotary Club, where she co-chairs the beloved annual Soapbox Derby, and sits as a director for the local Junior B Hockey organization. 

Dawn’s vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit make her an outstanding candidate for Executive of the Year. Her unwavering commitment to chamber excellence continues to inspire peers and create real, lasting impact in her community.