AdVOCACY COMMITTEE
We speak up to decision-makers on issues that matter to business.
Advocacy is one of the Chamber’s key functions. The committee is focused on staying up-to-date and in-the-know on the issues that affect the conditions of doing business for our members in Cranbrook. We also focus on building partnerships, so that our advocacy efforts include bringing forward solutions to effect change.
2025-2026 Committee Members
Chair – Tom Shypitka, Chamber Board Director
Vice-Chair – Travis-Dean Bradley, Chamber Vice-President
Members – Sheldon Doll – Chamber Board Director, Jason Wheeldon – Chamber Member, Kerstin Renner – Chamber Member
Ex-officio Members – Keri Sanderman – Chamber President, Stacey Brensrud – Chamber Executive Director
Apply to be a member of the Advocacy Committee
Advocacy Committee Work
CITY of CRANBROOK – ANNUAL BUDGET & DCCs
The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee and staff have been working alongside the City of Cranbrook to establish an annual operating model in which the Chamber will contribute insight for City staff and Council consideration pertaining to the City Annual Budget.
Chamber Board submits request to City for collaboration on Budget
September 25, 2025 – Chamber Board sent a letter to City Council, requesting “collaboration with staff in the early stages of
budget planning”.
CHAMBER BOARD SUBMITS REQUEST TO CITY FOR CONSULTATION ON DCCs
September 25, 2025 – Chamber Board sent a letter to City Council, requesting “that the City of Cranbrook will conduct robust consultation as part of any increases being implemented for Development Cost Charges (DCCs)”.
Chamber begins the process to form a City Budget Sub-Committee
November 13, 2025 – Chamber Advocacy Committee begins the process of forming a City Budget Sub-Committee.
Chamber Budget Sub-committee meets with CAO & Council Liaison
November 26, 2025 – Chamber Sub-committee (unofficial) meets with CAO Mark Fercho & Council Liaison Mike Peabody. Immediate and longer-term goals are identified and discussed, including the need for engagement opportunities regarding Development Cost Charge increases.
Chamber Staff meets with City Staff
December 9, 2025 – City of Cranbrook Director of Engineering and Development Services & Chamber Executive Director meet to plan DCC engagement session.
Chamber and City to deliver DCC feedback session
January 6, 2026 – Chamber & City of Cranbrook host DCC engagement session for Chamber members.
Chamber to support City Call-to-Action to fill out DCC survey
Chamber to encourage members to fill out the City’s DCC feedback survey, ensuring they indicate that they are a BUSINESS in the survey.