Municipal Matters: The Value of Showing Up

By Medicine Hat News on July 17, 2026.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Earlier this month, Medicine Hat Economic Development co-hosted, This is Medicine Hat, a collaborative event presented by the City, Medicine Hat Accommodation Association, Medicine Hat College, Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council, Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Medicine Hat.

The intention was simple, leverage the spectacle and natural gathering of businesses and stakeholders surrounding the Calgary Stampede to bring investors, community leaders and members of government together while highlighting the people, connections and businesses that make our region shine.

Beyond local leadership and stakeholders in attendance, including Mayor Linnsie Clark and several members of City Council, the event attracted provincial representatives such as Premier Danielle Smith and Minister/MLA Justin Wright, MP Glen Motz, several federal and provincial ministers, along with influential leaders from businesses, industry support organizations and post-secondary institutions throughout Alberta.

Events such as this provide an informal environment where connections can be made and conversations can take place without the pressure or rigid conditions of a traditional business meeting.

A brief introduction can create familiarity. A casual conversation can uncover a shared challenge.

An unexpected encounter can lead to an idea, partnership or opportunity that may not have emerged through a scheduled meeting. By co-hosting the event, the participating organizations effectively combined their networks and reach to position Medicine Hat front and centre in the minds of investors and decision-makers who can influence our local industries and economy.

It also demonstrated the value of collaboration. Each partner brought different relationships, perspectives and audiences to the room, creating a stronger platform than any organization could have built alone.

For local businesses, there are several lessons that can be taken from an event like, This is Medicine Hat. While on a smaller scale than the proceedings in Calgary, the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede offers similar opportunities for enterprising businesses. Between the parade, pancake breakfasts, exhibitions and gatherings throughout the city, there are numerous opportunities to meet people and develop potentially valuable connections.

For some businesses, it can be difficult to calculate the value of a future business opportunity, referral or project that begins with a single conversation. And for businesses that primarily serve other businesses, relationships can be nearly indistinguishable from direct sales. Exposure, awareness and trust often develop long before a proposal is requested or a contract is signed. Showing up consistently helps ensure that when a need arises, your business is known, understood and more likely to be considered.

Engagement and participation can often be achieved through contributions of time, expertise, or collaboration. It may mean attending a community breakfast, inviting a client to an event, volunteering, supporting another local organization or simply introducing yourself to someone new. The goal should not be to deliver a sales pitch to every person in the room. It should be to listen, learn and establish genuine connections.

The work also continues after the event ends. A short follow-up message, an introduction to a useful contact or an invitation to continue the conversation can turn a pleasant interaction into a lasting professional relationship. The most effective networking is built on mutual value, not simply on what one party hopes to gain. Networking is rarely about an immediate transaction. Its value is cumulative. The conversations held today can become the partnerships, customers, referrals and investments of tomorrow.

As the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede approaches, I encourage local businesses and professionals to consider how they can participate. Be visible, be curious and be prepared to share what you do, but also take the time to learn what others are working toward.

Opportunity often begins by being in the room – the magic comes from what you make of it afterwards.

Selena McLean-Moore is the director of Economic Development with the City of Medicine Hat.