MOOSE JAW — Donna Fritzke has been supporting the community’s furry four-legged friends for four years, but she will soon transition to promoting Moose Jaw’s tourism industry and all it has to offer.
The board of directors with Tourism Moose Jaw announced on Nov. 27 that it had appointed Fritzke, the fundraising co-ordinator with the Moose Jaw Humane Society, as the new executive director, effective Monday, Dec. 16.
Fritzke is taking over from Jacki L’Heureux-Mason, who announced in September that she was departing after eight years as executive director. L’Heureux-Mason plans to remain until Tuesday, Dec. 31, so she can assist with the leadership transition.
Fritzke said the new role would be “amazing” but also different.
“It’s going to be a challenge, for sure, but I’ve always loved tourism and I’ve always loved working in the tourism industry … ,” she said. “And I’m looking forward to serving our community and working with the tourism team to just bring attention to our beautiful city.”
A long-time Moose Javian, Fritzke has been an active contributor to the community for many years. She also has plenty of experience in the tourism sector, having worked previously at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and Hotel and with Tourism Saskatchewan.
The board noted that Fritzke’s extensive knowledge of the municipal and provincial tourism landscapes will be invaluable as she leads the organization’s efforts to enhance Moose Jaw’s position as a top tourism destination.
“We are confident that Donna’s leadership, experience, and passion for our city will play a key role in the continued growth and success of tourism in Moose Jaw,” the board said.
The board also thanked L’Heureux-Mason for her dedicated service to the tourism industry and the community, noting that her contributions helped shape the organization’s success over the years.
Fritzke explained that she began working at the spa when it opened in 1993 and, for six years, focused on marketing the venue. Furthermore, she and co-worker Deb Thorn travelled across Canada to promote the spa, which she found to be enjoyable.
She also worked with Tourism Saskatchewan as an information counsellor for several years and appreciated learning more about the province.
“I’m really looking forward to (the new position). It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Fritzke said, adding she has “thoroughly enjoyed” working as the Humane Society’s fundraising co-ordinator, and it would be tough to leave her job and the animals.
One of Fritzke’s first goals when she starts is to meet with more than 200 members of Tourism Moose Jaw so she can hear their concerns and desires and help them where she can. Moreover, she wants to partner with Tourism Saskatchewan to “put Moose Jaw on the map” and bring more business into the community.
“… (Let’s) get our face out there and show the world what Moose Jaw has to offer,” she remarked.
The Friendly City has many attractions to promote, from its tunnels to the spa to the many downtown gift shops to the heritage buildings to culture, added Fritzke. The community has a “full-package deal” to promote, while it will be exciting to showcase that variety.
