The monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon was a passionate one Thursday afternoon.

Mayor Craig Snodgrass addressed concerns about marketing efforts and clarified the towns role in promoting itself collectively and not individually.

"We're not marketing individual businesses, that would get extremely expensive and your taxes would go through the roof if we went there, and if you go there with one you're going there with all of them. We're not going there, this has to be a marketing initiative that has to be for the whole town."

Snodgrass says the focus is on a marketing initiative that invites people to live here, work, play and invest here.

He announced a new Economic Development Officer is in place and the big reveal will happen later next week.

Mayor Craig Snodgrass defined in no uncertain terms what the towns role is when it comes to marketing.

He addressed some passionate comments and questions and he says what responsibilities belong to the town.

"The town has a responsibility in providing certain things that make this town function. Utilities, underground services, making sure the infrastructure is in place and the infrastructure isn't failing."

He clarified it is not the responsibility of the town to market individual businesses but did say there are resources like Community Futures in place that specialize in helping businesses grow.

"Downtown is not just about businesses, there's going to be events down there. Fourth Avenue was created so that we can shut it down in the summer time, evenings and weekends when the Doctors offices close, people can book Fourth Avenue and have their parties down there."

He said there will be an announcement next week introducing the new Economic Development Officer who has a specific background in marketing.

For more information on Community Futures visit: www.albertacf.com