MOOSE JAW — Businessman Michael Biette is excited to be the chamber’s new board president and is looking forward to making Moose Jaw one of the most desired places to live and do business.
Biette was sworn in following the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting at the Events Centre on Sept. 26. He replaces outgoing president Don Howe and will — similar to his predecessors — serve a year’s term.
The owner of Moose Jaw Tax Team said he was “truly honoured” to become the new president and thanked Howe, the board, CEO Rob Clark and office administrator Heather Bergdahl for their support, leadership and dedication during the past year.
“Their efforts have laid a strong foundation, both within the chamber and within the city,” said Biette, noting that he had served five years on the board.
Biette praised the organization for growing its membership to 604 businesses, which he thought was a significant milestone for a community the size of Moose Jaw.
The Moose Jaw chamber has one of the strongest social media presences in Saskatchewan and is doing better than Saskatoon or Regina, he continued. Meanwhile, the organization continues to promote its “Shop Local” campaign and work to drive new business to “our notoriously friendly city.”
The chamber’s vision is to build a vibrant and resilient business community, considering it is blessed with a “diverse and dynamic mix” of shops, Biette said. Moreover, its collective strength lies in its ability to support and uplift one another.
“Together, we’ll work to create new opportunities, grow our local economy and champion the interests of every member of our chamber,” he continued. “I’m excited to collaborate with each one of you, to hear your ideas, and to tackle challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“Let’s approach this year with enthusiasm, innovation and a shared commitment to make Moose Jaw the most desired place to do business in Canada,” Biette added
Besides Biette, other people who were appointed to the board for two years included Parker Chow, Brianne Montgomery, Gayland Panko, Shelly Dahlman, Megan Patterson, Jasmine Cameron and Sharla Sept.
Also, the chamber gave plaques to outgoing members Scott Greenough, Ryan Hrechka and Aaron Ruston.
Outgoing president’s message
The chamber recorded another successful year, as its goals and objectives helped grow membership and supported the business community, Howe said in his outgoing message. The organization maintained an active image and profile by providing leadership and participating in many matters over the past 12 months.
Some positive highlights included the launch of the Senior Moose Jobs Program, which saw 101 people apply and 30 matched with employers. Further, the chamber held the Citizen and Group of the Year Awards at the Events Centre and announced the winners during a WHL Warriors’ game.
Also, for the first time, it held the MJBEX Awards at the Curling Centre.
Meanwhile, SaskPower completed its Great Plains Power Station this year, the North 49 sow processing plant opened its doors, and a contractor at 15 Wing Air Base received a major $11.5 billion, 25-year federal government contract to train aircrews as part of the most significant modernization in 30 years.
“As a chamber, we must continue to act as the voice of business by representing the interests to civic, provincial and federal governments,” Howe said.
“The key to the city’s future lies not only with our existing businesses but with helping new enterprises enter the business community and flourish into successful enterprises,” he continued. “This will lead to business profitability and create jobs for our community.”
Howe added that Biette’s experience and enthusiasm would continue the tradition of thinking outside the box and making Moose Jaw the place to do business.
