INNISFAIL – Jen Chabot has an ultra-short learning curve for her new job in Innisfail.
But it’s a job that’s ultra-important to the Town of Innisfail.
Chabot is the new executive director of the Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce.
She was on the job at the 2023 Spring Trade Show on March 31 and April 1 even before officially beginning her new post on April 4.
“I went and spent time at the trade show to start to get to know people. I said to my husband as I went out the door, ‘I’m about to meet the town',” said Chabot, a long-time resident of Red Deer. “To be honest I think I did. There was a lot of people there within a two-day stretch.”
And Chabot also had the chance to meet Mayor Jean Barclay at the event.
“I actually did some research on her before I even went in. I met her at the event a couple times, and she's a very nice lady,” said Chabot, who was pleased to hear about Barclay’s progressive agenda for the town. “That’s wonderful, especially for youth that still live in town to have potential of what they want to stay here for.”
Barclay told the Albertan she was pleased with Chabot’s hire, noting the board and staff member Nora Pedersen have been working hard the past several months without an executive director.
“I think it's great they have somebody new and I really look forward to building that relationship as we move forward,” said Barclay, noting the Chamber sits with the town on the Innisfail Community Economic Development Advisory Group. “What I see going forward is more interaction and what can we all work together at, and make sure the Chamber is part of that.”
Chabot comes to Innisfail at a transitional time for the Chamber. Her role was held by Innisfailian Carla Gabert for several years until last fall when the Chamber hired award-winning Rocky Mountain House business consultant Michelle Andrishak.
However, Andrishak left after only two weeks on the job. The Chamber then launched a Canada-wide search for the right candidate, and Chabot was chosen.
“I’m actually really excited,” said Chabot, adding her new job, which begins with 20 hours a week with potential to go full-time, could lead her to move permanently to Innisfail. “I want to say I am not opposed to moving and relocating closer. I think Innisfail is a great community, and I'm happy to be part of it.”
Chabot comes to Innisfail with solid community-minded credentials. She has managed a Red Deer gym for the past 20 years, and has been a committed volunteer; everything from the Special Olympics in Red Deer, Youth HQ, Red Deer Highland Games and even squash tournaments.
“I'm definitely going to be learning every day, and when it comes right down to it, I've even been doing research since this job became an option in my world,” said Chabot, adding she’s been following the latest news of municipal government and what’s been happening in the local business sector, including the successful Market on Main.
“I want this to become the best Chamber it can possibly be.”
