The gavel is passed

For over 100 years the Chamber tradition has been to pass the gavel to a new president each year. What a great opportunity I have, as Executive Director, to work with and learn from a variety of community leaders, with different leadership styles, personalities and ideas. I enjoyed working with Wendy Plandowski in her role as president in 2010. Her wonderful sense of humor and her ability to speak to most topics with poise and confidence was a real asset to the Chamber. Our new president, Kevin Lundell, is no stranger to the Chamber. Kevin capably handled the duties of Political Action committee chair in 2010. I look forward with confidence to Kevin's leadership over the next year.

From time to time we say farewell to board members who have served the Chamber well. Florence Blois and Rhonda Perepelkin, although on the board for a short time, offered insight and perspective from their specific areas of expertise. Peggy Bosch, our 2009 president, has retired after being on the board for six years. Peggy's positive attitude and focus will be missed, but she will remain on the Membership Relations committee, so we will still have access to her and knowledge and ideas. Aaron Buckingham, our 2007 president, retired after 10 years of service. Aaron has been very influencial in bringing that young persons perspective to the board. His hard work and passion for this community is appreciated. We wish all of our retired board members the very best as they go on to do other things in the community.

As we say farewell, we also say welcome to three new board members. Michael Holden, Angela Rooks and Darren King will join the board and I look forward to getting to know them better and working with them this next year.  The board members were sworn in by Judge Kim Young at the AGM on February 16th.

Elaine Lawrence, Executive Assistant - Finance, was also recognized for her 10 years of service as a staff member at the AGM.  Elaine joined the Chamber staff in 2001 and has been such an asset to the Chamber. Elaine will receive a day off work during golf season and some passes for the Lloydminster Golf Course as an appreciation for her commitment and loyalty to the Chamber.

I was pleased to speak to the Lakeland College Events Planning class last week sharing some of my experience and knowledge about events planning, as well as providing information about the importance of the Chamber of Commerce in the community. We will be pleased to welcome a practicum student from that class for a six week experience with our staff.

I will be doing an interview with Kurt Price on the morning show this week (Thurs) to talk about the upcoming Business Ed Month kick-off luncheon on March 2nd. I have heard the speaker, Kordell Norton, a couple of times, and I always take away some new ideas about leadership, marketing and events.

Till next week
Pat