The past year was challenging for the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce, but it also provided opportunities to experiment with new and rewarding ideas, the outgoing board president says.
The pandemic was tough on many, but the chamber remained a strong advocate for its members and the entire business community, with CEO Rob Clark providing strong leadership along the way, Kylie Sonmor said during the chamber’s recent annual general meeting.
“We are proud of the members and the business community, (while their) resiliency and innovation this past year is something to be truly proud of. And our community, as they have supported our local community by shopping locally,” he continued.
The chamber launched the “Live, Love, Local” campaign this past summer, which elevated the organization’s brand in the community and provincially, Sonmor remarked. Meanwhile, he thanked Clark, Heather Bergdahl, and the volunteer directors for being great people with whom to work.
Even though there weren’t many opportunities for in-person meetings or events during the pandemic, Sonmor said he still appreciated all the support everyone gave him.
“And to Aaron (Ruston, new chamber president), congratulations. You will bring new and exciting leadership roles to the chamber this upcoming year and maybe even a song or interpretive dance,” joked the outgoing president.
“All jokes aside, your experience and enthusiasm will continue the tradition of thinking outside the box and show the rest of Saskatchewan that Moose Jaw is not only a place to live but the best place to do business.”
Since Sonmor could not attend the annual general meeting in person, Clark read his speech for him.
“(Kylie) did a masterful job, (was) very instrumental in some of the things we did, was a good mentor and helped us along the way this year,” Clark said. “It was a trying year, a marathon year, but we did get through it essentially well.”
The new chamber members this year are Shelly Dahlman, Kyle Favel and Jeff Fox.
