Yorkton Chamber of Commerce History 2010
The first order of business in 2010 for the Chamber was to welcome to its new president Lawrence Wegner as well as both its new and returning directors.
March played host to “We Tip our Hats to Your Success” which proved to be a fitting theme for the Celebrate Success Business Awards that recognize the achievements of the local business community. St. Mary’s Cultural Centre was packed with people looking forward to a fine meal and the announcements of the award recipients which are as follows: Community Merit Award recipients – Football Night in Saskatchewan, Habitat for Humanity – Yorkton and Soup Haven Lunch Program. Property Restoration Award – B.G. Denture Clinic Business Expansion Award – Painted Hand Casino Business of the Year Award – Terry Ortynsky’s Royal Ford Community Involvement Award – Yorkton Coop Association Customer Service Award – Christie’s Funeral Home and Crematorium New Business Venture Award – LDM Foods Young Entrepreneur Award – Yorkton Geothermal Wall of Success Award – Stamatinos Leland Campbell LLP, Fedorowich Construction, and Weber Construction Work & Family Balance Award – Cornerstone Credit Union Also at the Celebrate Business Success Awards, Amie Zamonsky was presented with the 2009 Director Spirit Award. Amie is a Small Business Advisor with TD Canada Trust and has been a director of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce since January 2009.
On May 5th the Chamber hosted a meeting between the real estate and financial communities and the City of Yorkton’s Building Services. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together all the players who have a potential stake in any commercial development.
The first ever Chamber 5:05 Club was held in late April at the Anavets Lounge. All those in attendance were pleased to have the opportunity to loosen their ties and network in such a relaxed social atmosphere. The Sask Power Rate Review Panel visited Yorkton on April 27th. The Yorkton Chamber was in attendance and made a brief presentation applauding Sask Power’s intent to create more “green” energy through the development of wind power and low-emission coal fire plants. The corporation’s investment in these ventures will incur costs now that will eventually reduce costs in the future. The Chamber indicated it understands that in order to fund these ventures, some of these costs must be passed on to customers. The Yorkton Chamber pointed out that every increase in rates affects the business community. Businesses, especially small businesses, cannot afford large rate increases therefore, Sask Power must be able to justify any future rate increases and these increases must be kept to a minimum.
In late May the Employee Recognition Event was held to recognize the dedication and hard work of employees throughout the city. The recipient of the 2010 Employee of the Year Award was Myrtle Zenkewich, a Food Service Attendant at McDonald’s Restaurant. In her nomination, Myrtle was described as giving “fast and friendly service and is someone who is an excellent example of a strong work ethic.” Also during the month of May Amanda Lere joined the Chamber staff as the Marketing & Administration Summer Assistant. Her responsibilities for the summer include updating the Chamber website, member recruitment, and marketing of the community sign board.
The Painted Hand Casino held its 10th annual Powwow in early June where a number of Chamber members, directors, and staff were able to participate in the Powwow’s Grand Entries. Juanita Polegi, the Chambers’ Executive Director, was pleased to be the recipient of gifts of a star blanket and tobacco; to receive these gifts is considered a great honour.
The Yorkton Chamber 5:05 Club met again in late June at the Painted Hand Casino. Many Chamber members attended and enjoyed the opportunity to network.