The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce officially launched its first Breakfast and Business Learning Series of 2026 this morning, welcoming members and guests to an engaging and informative session hosted at The ACT in Maple Ridge.

Delivered in partnership with EC Managed IT and the City of Maple Ridge, the event reflected a shared commitment to supporting local businesses through accessible education, professional development, and meaningful connection.

The session focused on cutting through the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence and providing clear, practical guidance on what AI adoption looks like for organizations of all sizes. Attendees gained a business-first perspective on what leaders need to know right now to reduce risk, protect sensitive data, and move forward with confidence.

A key theme of the morning was governance, including why every organization needs an AI Acceptable Use Policy to address shadow AI and minimize unintended exposure. Participants also explored how commonly used AI tools handle data and what their terms of use mean in a real-world business context.

The presentation balanced risk awareness with opportunity, highlighting practical AI use cases that improve efficiency and creativity. Attendees learned how low-code solutions, including custom AI tools, can deliver quick wins regardless of technical experience. Each participant also received a customizable AI policy template to adapt for their own organization.

The morning was made even better with breakfast catering provided by Ronny’s Bistro, an outstanding local breakfast and lunch restaurant known for its fresh, flavourful offerings and exceptional catering services. Their food was a highlight of the event and a perfect complement to the learning and networking experience.

Beyond the educational content, the event provided valuable networking time over coffee and breakfast, allowing business owners, managers, and professionals to connect and share insights with peers from across the community.

As a special bonus, attendees were entered to win two four packs of tickets to an upcoming Vancouver Giants game, adding an extra element of excitement to the morning.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped set the tone for a strong year of learning and collaboration. We are grateful to EC Managed IT, the City of Maple Ridge, and Ronny’s Bistro for their continued partnership and support, and to our members for showing up curious, engaged, and ready to lead responsibly in an evolving business landscape.

We look forward to welcoming you to future Breakfast and Business events throughout 2026.