THE BATTLEFORDS — The Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Board of Directors' new chair, Glenda Rye (Luk Plumbing Heating and Electric), who took over from Kayla Petersen (Century 21 Prairie Elite) at their 118th Chair's Luncheon on Jan. 30.
In her comments following the oath of office, in which both Donna Lehmann (Westland Insurance Group Ltd.) and Ashlee Babiy (CIBC) became vice-chair and second vice-chair respectfully, Rye said she feels local business plays a pivotal role in nurturing the Battlefords' well-being.
"As we all know, business is the lifeblood of our community ... here in the Battlefords, our businesses want to be at the forefront of innovation and progress. We are willing to push the boundaries and strive for excellence, which ultimately benefits everyone in our community," Rye said.
She noted that it's local businesses that support schools, charities, and community programs, as well as sponsoring events, festivals, and sports teams. By partnering with local organizations, she says business helps address social issues and contribute to the overall welfare of the community.
"I have been speaking to many of you individually over the past nine months and there are shared challenges that our whole business community is facing," she said.
Those challenges include inflation, sustainability, and most of all, staffing.
"The good news is that we are Battleford strong. We are hardworking people who continue to get up no matter how many times we fall."
That was a feeling mirrored by a litany of guest speakers beforehand, including Kelli Hawtin on behalf of the City of North Battleford, Mayor Ames Leslie from the Town of Battleford, and Donna Lehmann reading letters from both the MLA Jeremy Cockrill and the MP Rosemarie Falk.
And as Kayla Petersen became the past chair, Derek Schmidt (Bill an Don's Mens Wear), the outgoing past chair thanked Petersen for her service over the last year.
"I want to congratulate Kayla on her term as the 117th chair. Kayla, you are an inspiring, successful business person, mother, grandmother, [and] friend to many," Schmidt said.
"Kayla, you wear many hats ... with personality class and professionalism. On behalf of the board, staff and membership. Thank you for leading us this past year."
