As “the voice of business in Yorkton”, the Chamber is charged with the task of advocating for its members and providing educational and networking opportunities for its members. The following is a list of the year’s highlights:
- Prior to press, the Chamber met with City Council three times over the course of the year to discuss a variety of issues and opportunities:
- Property taxes
This lead to the Town Hall meeting held in June to discuss property assessment and taxes - Regional Airport
The Chamber continues to remind Council of the importance of the Airport to the city and the region; and to urge Council to create an independent Airport Authority - City Tenders
The Chamber continues to urge Council to ensure the city’s tendering policies and procedures are open and transparent - Communication
The Chamber reminded Council the need to communicate with the business owners prior to undertaking infrastructure construction and to listen to the owners when they have concerns or suggestions about traffic flow
- On the provincial level, the Chamber’s activities included:
- Supporting the Sask Chamber in declaring its concern over the poor performance of Saskatchewan students in the 2015 PISA tests and that the students didn’t participate in the financial literacy portion of the assessment.
- Supporting the Government of Saskatchewan on its opposition to a carbon tax, the Minister of Environment visited the Yorkton Chamber to discuss further.
- Federally, the Chamber was also active:
- In addition to the Chamber sending a letter expressing its opposition to the proposed tax changes, the Chamber urged its members to also express their opposition. The collective effort of businesses and Chambers from across the country led to the federal government “rethinking” its original plans.
- When the federal government suggested that employer paid health benefits be taxed, the Yorkton Chamber sent a letter expressing its opposition. Again, the Chamber network was successful as this idea was dropped.
- The Chamber has sent a letter to the federal ministry responsible for the Labour Market Development Agreement expressing the need to change the formula so that Saskatchewan receives its fair share of the funding. Changes to the formula are a work in progress.
- Meeting with Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup
- Employee Recognition Event – 4 employees recognized for their outstanding contributions to their places of employment
- 19th Annual Chamber Business Dinner
- Honourary Life Member Induction
- Met with Cathay Wagantall, MP twice; met with Hon. Greg Ottenbreit , MLA twice
- Met with Staff Sgt Jeff Simpson
- Attended the Painted Hand Casino Pow Wow Grand Entry
- Presented scholarships to 2 Parkland College students enrolled in business programs
- Several Business Breakfasts & Lunches featuring speakers discussing topics of interest to the business community
- Chamber Member Poster
- New Member Lunch
- Held 2 Chamber Coffee Houses
Other highlights include:
To learn more about the work of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber office 306-783-4368 or visit the website www.yorktonchamber.com. Or check it out on facebook and twitter.