Collaborating for
BUSINESS SUCCESS
Creating Business-Friendly Communities
A powerful evening of insights and connections to help build stronger, more business-friendly communities.
June 25, 2025 | 6 PM - 8:30 PM | McArthur Community Hall
Collaborating for Business Success:
One Night. One Room. One Shared Vision.
On June 25, 2025, something powerful happened in Lac La Biche.
Leaders, business owners, and community-builders from across the region came together for Collaborating for Business Success, an evening of connection, conversation, and honest reflection on what it truly means to build a business-friendly community.
The energy wasn’t loud — but it was focused. There was a quiet attentiveness in the room as keynote speaker Doug Griffiths, author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, delivered a message that was both lighthearted and hard-hitting. His seamless mix of humor and truth kept the audience engaged.
Beyond a Keynote — A Community in Conversation
Doug Griffiths’ keynote was at the heart of the evening — but the impact extended far beyond the stage.
With a tone that balanced quiet focus and moments of genuine laughter, Doug’s storytelling made complex ideas accessible and personal. His breakdown of attitudes like NIMBY (“Not In My Back Yard”), NOPE (“Not On Planet Earth”), CAVE (“Citizens Against Virtually Everything”), and FEARS (“Fire up Everyone Against Reasonable Solutions”) gave the audience language for challenges we’ve all seen but rarely name aloud.
But the real magic happened after.
Attendees stayed over 90 minutes past the event, not just to finish dessert — but to finish conversations. Ideas flowed across tables. New relationships formed. Community energy wasn’t just felt — it was acted on.
“These are the types of events that really get me excited about our town. Now we need a follow-up roundtable to make a game plan.”
“We need a complete overhaul of the mindset in our community… but how do we do that?”
“Doug’s stories made me realize we’re not alone — a lot of communities are stuck in the same habits. But unless we live out the values we claim — transparency, accountability, collaboration — we’re just doing lip service.”
“We need to stop waiting for outside solutions and start building inside strength.”
These aren’t just quotes. They’re signals. A shared readiness to challenge the status quo — and to keep moving forward.
The Need for Action
In the days following the event, survey feedback echoed a shared desire for next steps. Attendees rated the event “Excellent” across the board, and all respondents said they now feel more equipped to support business-friendly practices in their communities. So what’s next? We’re exploring a community roundtable or follow-up discussion to move from conversation into action. The ideas are here. The energy is here. The people are ready.
Check out some highlights from the evening below:
A Message to Those Who Missed It
If you didn’t make it this time, you missed more than a dinner and a speech.
You missed the beginning of a conversation — one where local leaders, business owners, and community members came together to ask the hard questions:
- Are we doing everything we can to support growth?
- Are we truly welcoming to outsiders?
- Are we building communities our youth want to stay in?
- Are we helping or hindering the businesses we say we support?
You missed a chance to be part of the momentum.
But here’s the good news: it’s not too late.
The work continues — and we want you at the table.
Stay connected with us for upcoming roundtables, follow-up sessions, and other opportunities to help shape the future of our region.
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