The Olds & District Chamber of Commerce has elected four new board members.
They are Tasha Bieber, manager of B & M Home Hardware; Jennifer Bittner, Carstar Olds; Martin Linlove, Olds College director of business development; and Dan McPherson, a lawyer with MHR Law (formerly Martinson & Harder Law Office).
They were chosen during the chamber's Annual General Meeting (AGM), held March 13 in the Olds Legion.
For the second year in a row, new board members were elected. In total, six people let their names stand for director, including one nominated from the floor.
"I think it's an excellent group of new directors," outgoing president Ben Stone said.
"There's a lot of diversity here which leads to better decision making and I'm really excited to see how everybody works together to solve different issues and come up with good ideas for the community."
The board will meet March 20 to choose its new executive.
Stone said the chamber strives hard to be the voice of business in the community.
"We try to advocate for business as best as we can," he said. "I think we try and make sure that if someone comes up with something that we help address that and help the community as a whole work towards a preferred solution." He cited the issue over snowplowing in Uptowne a few months ago as an example of where businesses and town officials got together to create "a mutual solution." Stone expressed his thanks to all those who have helped the chamber in the past; not only retiring directors, but also the many volunteers who have assisted in one way or another.
"It's absolutely incredible, the amount of time that's put into all of the functions. Not just the AGM, but the business awards — just everything," he said.
The new board members replace three retiring board members: Melissa Maschke (Key Employment Services), Vicky Barsey (Expedia CruiseShipCenters) and Doug Collie (Olds Albertan/Mountain View Publishing).
Also, Rochelle Wilson (Western Financial Group) was appointed to finish the term of David Burchat (BMO) who had moved to Winnipeg.
During his speech to attendees, Stone said the chamber has worked hard during the past year to provide value to members and work in concert with other local organizations to strengthen the local business community.
He said during 2018, the Shop Local-Shop Olds Member 2 Member program grew from 13 participating businesses to more than 35, offering more than 65 discounts.
Stone said the chamber partnered with other organizations, including the Alberta Chamber of Commerce to express its concerns on various issues of interest to local businesses, including Bill C69.
During the meeting chamber members approved the 2019 budget presented by treasurer Mark Johnson.
It projects total revenue of $117,626 and expenses totalling $107,175 for a net surplus of $10,451.
Johnson also presented the chamber’s balance sheet as of Dec. 31 last year.
According to that document, as of that date, total assets were $37,272. Total liabilities and equity stood at $37,272.
