Aaron Ruston is excited to be the new board president of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce and is eager to build on the organization’s solid foundation.
It’s an honour and pleasure to be named the new president for the 2021-22 year, while the efforts of previous boards — including under outgoing president Kylie Sonmor — are also appreciated, Ruston said during the chamber’s recent annual general meeting. He also appreciated the efforts of the chamber’s Rob Clark and Heather Bergdahl, who have contributed to building the business community here.
“Our membership roster of over 520 (businesses), and respect given by other chambers across the province, speaks to the difference being made and value all the businesses place on this chamber and what it does,” he said.
Ruston and his family sold their business in Kelowna, British Columbia 22 years ago and moved back to Saskatchewan. While he sometimes questioned that decision — especially in the winter — he realized they had moved to a small Saskatchewan city that was becoming a forward-thinking community, a good place to raise a family and had an attitude of commitment.
“We love Moose Jaw and what it stands for. You have embraced our family as part of you, and I assure you, we will work to make a positive difference so that those who come behind us will also have a home they can be proud of and build upon,” Ruston said.
Running a successful business is an “ever-changing journey,” especially since a rapidly changing world forces businesses to remain flexible and make decisions to move the organization to the next level, he continued.
“I’ve always believed there is no such thing as a plateau, and we’re either climbing forward or slipping backwards. No one ever said the climb would be easy, but the views are spectacular,” added Ruston.
While business owners run their operations independently, they are also part of a community team that relies on each other to succeed, Ruston said. This support was amply demonstrated during the pandemic and provides a cornerstone for future success and creativity.
This creativity was seen in the regular online Zoom meetings that the chamber held with businesses, along with a meal program where businesses stepped forward to support the less fortunate in the community.
“The chamber is a very important cog in the wheel of local business, and thus, the families of Moose Jaw and surrounding area,” he said, noting the chamber also provides access to web design, social media ideas, financial and emergent services, and a group plan.
Ruston added that he was excited to work with the chamber as the organization and community moved into a new phase of life.
