Year of Progress for Chamber-Bast
Wednesday, January 1, 1969
Joe Bast, president of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce said in a year-end statement that 1968 has been a year of great progress for the Yorkton Chamber and the thanks must go to the directors who saw the need for progress and worked to achieve their objectives. The year started by the chamber obtaining their own premises and hiring a full time secretary. The education committee under the chairmenship of Mike Keaschuk sponsored a ‘retail selling sourse’ and an ‘effective supervision course’ during the year. Ralph Neis and his tourist promotion committee presented a “Project Hospitality” seminar for those in the service industries so that all may be aware of the importance of treating visitors with care and courtesy. In co-operation with the Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce provided Yorkton with its first tourist information booth during the summer of 1968. it was the most successful venture and all indications are that the facility will continue and grow. The Chamber assisted with Sno-Sho ’68 and the retail section under the chairmanship of John Dowie promoted the Royal Goose Bumps event of the Sno-Show ’68 as well as the recently completed Bell Ringers Bonanza. The formation trial development committee under the temporary chairmanship of W.J. ‘Jack’ parr and having representatvies from the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce and City Council have made strides in the short time they have been in operation. their work will continue and increase during the coming year. On May 4, 5 and 6, 1969, the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce will host the annual meeting of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bast feels the outlook for 1969 is very good and assures everyone that the Chamber will continue to function for the benefit of Yorkton and its citizens. During 1968, 26 new businesses were welcomed to the city. The nominating committee are presently working on thepreparation of a slate of 1969 officers for presentation to the general membership at a January meeting. Nomination from the floow will be accepted at the meeting which is expected to be held Wednesday, January 15. In wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year, Mr. Bast remarked that tourism is growing to be a big business in our country and urged that “We, in this beautiful Parkland area, do all in our power to encourage visitors to our city by making Yorkton a truly friendly place in wchich to visit, to shop and to live.”