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History 2008

History

Yorkton Chamber of Commerce History 2008

The 110th Year of the Chamber of Commerce is one that saw many changes to the Chamber. 

Lori Walsh was elected President for a two year term. Past presidents had indicated that a one year term just didn’t seem long enough in order to accomplish the many projects each of them had worked on during their presidency. The Board of Directors, always open to new ideas, decided to extend the presidential term on a trial basis. 

Celebrate Success, an evening dedicated to the recognition and celebration of business success, was held in March. The award recipients are as follows:

  • Wall of Success – Yorkton This Week, Independent Agencies, Morris Industries
  • Business of the Year – Maple Farm Equipment Ltd.
  • Business Expansion – EMW Industrial
  • Customer Service – St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cultural Centre
  • Property Restoration – Yorke Inn
  • New Business Venture – Yorkton Toyota
  • Community Involvement – LR Future Insurance & Investment
  • Young Entrepreneur – Gardon Securities
  • Community Merit – Haunts of Yorkton, Boys & Girls Club, and Kinsmen Club of Yorkton

The Public Policy Committee continued its work in facilitating meetings between the City, Province and the RCMP to address the lack of police officers in the community and the inequity in federal government funding for the city to hire police officers. 

The Annual Dine-A-Nite was held in May. This is an evening for businesses to celebrate the contributions of their employees. Employee of the Year is one of the awards presented at the event. 

The Business Development Committee strives to create an environment where it is easy to do business in and around the City of Yorkton. The Committee meets with City Council and its Management to identify and eliminate barriers for business development in the area. The Committee continues to work with the Yorkton Airport Authority. 

At the end of June, Donna Brothwell resigned as Executive Director to assume new challenges within the community. Sherry MacDonald served as Acting Director until September when Juanita Polegi joined the staff team as the Executive Director. 

The Chamber continued to recognize the importance of the agricultural industry to the area with its Salute to Agriculture during July. Crops of the Parkland is a joint venture between Viterra, Toursim Yorkton and the Chamber. This was the 3rd year for the little plot of land in front of the Chamber and Tourism office building to be seeded with the many kinds and varieties of crops grown in the area. As well, many current agricultural practices are highlighted. During July, hundreds of visitors stopped by for tours of the crop plot. 

Premier Brad Wall and his cabinet attended the Premier’s Business Dinner for the first time. The evening was well attended by a large number of businesses. Those in attendance enjoyed the Premier’s message. 

The Chamber once again hosted an All Candidates’ Forum prior to the Federal election. Three of the 4 candidates contesting the Yorkton-Melville riding were in attendance. Candidates were well prepared for the questions posed to them by both the Chamber and the audience.  

During Small Business Week in October, the mini tradeshow Business After Hours, was held in conjunction with SaskTel’s Business Customer Appreciation evening. The two events were mutually complimentary with all those in attendance pleased with the networking opportunities afforded by the two events.