The Chamber of Commerce is of course viewed as a business organization, and of course a key mandate is to put forward business issues to all three levels of government.
However, it is interesting how the key goals of the local Chamber parallel those of many in the city, even those not directly owning businesses.
New Yorkton Chamber of Commerce president Ron Irvine laid out the keys issues for 2012 in an interview with Yorkton This Week (see related story Page A1), and while he came at the issues from a business perspective the list really would benefit all in the community.
As an example leading the list is a Chamber effort to do whatever it can to strengthen the labour market in Yorkton.
While the availability of labour would seem like a pure business issue, the way the Chamber hopes to go about addressing the need for employees is rather farther reaching than business.
Among the efforts the Chamber feels will aid the local labour market is continued supports for a Trades and Technology Centre for the local Parkland College.
The new college facility, supported previously in this spot, provides educational opportunities for local area youth, an education which could well lead to local careers. That is a positive on many levels.
The Chamber will also work to see a greater "supply of affordable housing in Yorkton," said Irvine.
While the term 'affordable' is one which can be argued on a number of levels, anything which helps add to the housing options for families is a good thing for Yorkton.
"We also believe supporting the new hospital is important," said Irvine, adding the facility would be an asset in attracting employees to the city.
The new health facility plan, which the public will get a first look at tonight at a public meeting, is something that benefits children, seniors and everyone in between.
What is interesting is how what is good for business is often, although not always, good for the community.
Of course we have seen that in the recent past.
When the two canola plants were announced for the city the fact that there was a regional health centre, good schools, and the then recently upgraded Gallagher Centre were all pointed to as city assets which helped the respective companies decide to locate here.
Business does not function without staff, and employees, particularly those who move to a new job, want certain amenities from the community.
Most are looking for a place to raise a family, not just get a job. That is why health, education and recreation facilities are often high on the checklist for perspective employees investigating a new city.
With that in mind it is a positive having the local Chamber championing the efforts Irvine has outlined to be priorities in the year ahead.
