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130 Years of Community Spirit: A Tribute to the Red Deer District Chamber

Town Hall and Fire Hall, Red Deer, AB—administrators and the volunteer fire department with fire equipment lineup. Pictured: A.G. Ayres, Archie Taylor, Fire Chief Horace Meeres, and more [Date: 1912]. Photo Source: MG 18 George E. Fleming collection, Red Deer Archives ID: P2219.

In the 1890s Alberta, oak barrels were widely used for transporting goods like whisky, beer, grains, and salted meats due to their durability and ease of handling. The rounded design allowed easy stacking and rolling, essential for railway and horse-drawn transport. In 1894, a group of visionary business leaders, including the influential Raymond L. Gaetz, founded the Red Deer Board of Trade. Goods transported in barrels were part of trade deals happening on a regular basis. Their goal was to foster a thriving community and economy in the heart of Alberta.

The Red Deer Chamber of Commerce initially focused on advocating for essential infrastructure like railways and utilities, it laid the groundwork for the city’s economic growth. In 1953, the organization rebranded as the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, reflecting its expanded mission to support local businesses. Now, as it celebrates its 130th anniversary, it has transitioned to the Red Deer District Chamber, signifying its commitment to serving not only Red Deer but also the surrounding region, fostering a vibrant business environment for all.

Red Deer Chamber of Commerce booth with two women and one man standing at reception desk, additional attendees stand to side in Red Deer, Alberta. [Date: 1964 or 1965] Red Deer Archieves Identifier: P20551
Members of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce prepare to meet officials from CGTX (Canadian General Transit Company) outside the Chamber of Commerce building in Red Deer, Alberta. [Date: July 1968] Red Deer Archives Identifier: P5307

Throughout the decades, the Chamber has fostered initiatives like the “Red Deer Buck” campaign to boost local spending, hosted popular community events like trade fairs, and supported significant projects like the Red Deer Museum. With events such as Agri-Trade, the Chamber has kept Red Deer connected and thriving.

130 years later, the legacy of oak barrels in Alberta lives on—especially at Diony Distillery, where each one is filled with our liquid gold: whisky crafted from premium Alberta grains. Every barrel tells a story of Central Alberta’s rich resources and heritage, a story that resonates in every sip of our international award-winning whisky.

Since 2018, we’ve been quietly perfecting our Canadian whisky, and just under a year ago, we finally shared it with the world. Today, we’re honored to be recognized by the 130-year-old chamber as the New Business of the Year for 2024. This award celebrates not only our journey but the incredible potential of Alberta to produce world-class products & services such as whisky.

Here’s to the legacy of the past 130 years—and to all that’s still to come for businesses, both old and new, across Red Deer and surrounding areas.

Pictures are from Red Deer Archives Online Collections & Holdings

 

Welcome to Red Deer sign at city limit/ entrance to Red Deer, Alberta. Multiple logos, stats and advertisements for business and clubs in Red Deer. [Date: 1964] Red Deer Archives Identifier: P4066
Historic Ross Street, Red Deer: A glimpse into Alberta’s early commerce, featuring landmarks like the 1901 Greene Block, built by George W. Greene—Red Deer’s first solicitor and co-founder of the Board of Trade. [Date: 1907] Red Deer Archives Identifier: P8355
Booths set up at Agri-Trade, including John Deere, Beline Mfg. Co. Lts., Lloyd Hinks Sales, Richardson Greenshields. Agri-Trade is a farm equipement show produced by the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce and Westerner Park. Date: [between 1984 and 1995] Red Deer Archives Identifier: P20492
We’re truly grateful to be named 2024 New Business of the Year by the Red Deer District Chamber. Thank you to the Chamber, our community, and everyone who’s been part of our journey. Here’s to many more great moments together in Central Alberta!

#RedDeerArchives #reddeerchamber #centralalberta #centralalbertabusiness #reddeer #canadianwhisky #canadianwhiskey #communityspirits #doinydistillery

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Diony Distillery

Unit 101B-102B 303 Larch Close,
Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada T4E 1B4

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