The Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement on yesterday's election.

"I want to extend a thank you to all those who chose to run for the Town of Cochrane council and to extend my congratulations to the incumbent council for your successful election to another term," states chamber president Ozzie Sawicki.

"I certainly look forward to the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce continuing to strengthen our relationship with the Town of Cochrane, and believe the continuing incumbent mayor and council will only assist to increase opportunities for collaborative efforts that positively impact our business community."

Sawicki says the chamber has been more proactive in reaching out to the town over the last 1 1/2 years. He says that the relationship has been particularly aided by hiring full-time executive director Kelly Carson.

"I think it made a huge difference for us, in that we have somebody who can be in contact regularly, can be part of committees, and can be sitting in on a variety of things above and beyond what the board can traditionally do."

He says relationships have been developed with the mayor and some council members on a colleague level on what the business community needs, and it has allowed them to look at ways to also collaborate with nonprofits and the town itself to be proactive and part of the decision-making process.

"I don't necessarily think that has always happened as strongly as it could have in the past, whereas now with a full-time staff that certainly makes a difference for us."

He says the chamber will reach out formally to the elected council shortly but wanted to give them a few days to settle into the new reality.