Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce elects New Executive

Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce elects New Executive

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting on Feb. 5 at the Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion.

Jamieson Brown was elected as President, Ann Waters was elected First Vice President, Jamie Hirsch was elected Second Vice President and Marc Bredo was elected Third Vice President.

Brown said the one thing he`d like the chamber of commerce to do is engage with its base. “We want to talk with business members, get ideas and utilize the Alberta Chamber to lobby on our behalf.”

Brown also believes the chamber of commerce “needs to do more to promote the community” and find different ways of marketing what it has to offer. Brown said they are working with the tourism board to create different initiatives and alternate ways of tapping into the potential of the community to attract more visitors to the town.

Visibility has been a big issue in drawing visitors to Vegreville, noted Brown; and he is hoping more signage will be erected near the two exits on Highway 16 to draw more motorists into the community. “I truly believe Vegreville is in a great position to be successful.” Past President Scott Dixon presented his report to members, and thanked everyone for the opportunity to represent the chamber for the past year. “The great work that the chamber has done, and continues to do, would not be possible without the support of my executive.”

Pictured from left to right are: Third Vice President Marc Bredo, President Jamieson Brown, First Vice- President Ann Waters and Second Vice President Jamie Hirsch.

Dixon stated the chamber maintained its memberships and gained an additional sponsor. “The number of employees we represent is approximately 1,500. We also implemented a new membership program to make it easier and more efficient for membership renewal. Members are now able to pay their membership on-line as well as update their business information.”

Other highlights of 2019 included the Awards Gala in October that it hosted along with Community Futures Elk Island Region and the Town of Vegreville`s Economic and Development department. In addition, the chamber of commerce`s Passport to Christmas program was changed to include a $25 fee as well as a gift or gift certificate for the first place prize to encourage the return of shopping to the local businesses to use the gift certificates. `We had more businesses participate this year and the feedback was very positive. The program resulted in $591,000 spent locally in Vegreville.`

Dixon also reported the Christmas party and auction was a success. “We are proud to say that we were able to partner with the Vegreville Vortex Football Association and were able to donate $5,000 towards their organization.”

Dixon also thanked members who represented the chamber of commerce on various boards in the community including: Town of Vegreville Economic and Development, Tourism Board and Land Use Committee, Vegreville Regional Physician & Health Professional Attraction and Retention, and the Vegmin Learning Society.

Michelle Henderson became the Chamber`s General Manager in January of 2019 and reported she had been working with members and other stakeholders to provide opportunities to network and collaborate, and had worked on a plan to address business challenges. “Over the past year the board members and I have been working to provide these opportunities. As you may be aware, this was my first year in this role, and it has a steep learning curve. My appreciation is expressed to everyone for their support and involvement, as well as their patience as I learn.”