ICBA CAST: Navigating Politics and Business: A Chat with ICBA Alberta’s Mike Martens

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-symbol-font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji';"> 🎧</span> ICBA Alberta President Mike Martens and ICBA BC VP-Communications Jordan Bateman were chatting Wild Rose province earlier today, touching on several topics, including:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-symbol-font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji';"> 🗳</span> Alberta's Political Landscape: We discussed the recent election and the commendable job done by Premier Danielle Smith so far in her new mandate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-symbol-font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji';"> 🧐</span> BC vs Alberta - Project Approvals & Regulations: We compared the attitudes in both provinces. While B.C. constantly battles bureaucracy, Alberta has a more positive approach, learning from past mistakes and focusing on cooperation and environmental responsibility.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-symbol-font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji';"> 📈</span> ICBA’s Growth in Alberta: Mike shared exciting news about ICBA’s expansion in Alberta, including a new office space in downtown Calgary and the hiring of new team members.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-family: 'Apple Color Emoji'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; m