The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting 2021
The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce, representing the Tri Community of The Town of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and The R.M. of Kelsey, held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021.
Jill Wilkinson, a local businessperson, is a partner with husband Doug Wilkinson in the operations of Lakeshore Landscaping Ltd, is continuing as President of the Board. Jill stated “We had number of motions on the table for this AGM. The main motion on the table to change to the name of the chamber to “The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce” The calls for action UNDRIP or United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Economic Reconciliation is a part of that call. As chamber we need to do are part in Truth and Reconciliation. OCN is one of the most progressive First Nations in Manitoba, Canada, and an equal contributor to our local economy. We live in a unique area with multiple governances that need to be embraced. Our local chamber has two places of designation and a vast area of space with agriculture in RM of Kelsey. We also have many surrounding areas like Wanless, Rocky Lake, Clearwater Lake, Cormorant, and Moose Lake to represent as well. Therefore, we believe this collaboration will foster our knowledge to strengthen and grow our local economy attract businesses and industry.
“We will continue to communicate the chamber’s value and it’s potential in fostering partnerships and being collaborative for all industry sectors as well as with federal, provincial and our municipalities governments”.
Bobbi LaJambe Pich remains as board treasurer. She has been exceptional at keeping our books organized and helping with applying for grants.
Celeste Atchison Manager of MLLC and owner of Dutch Drive Inn and Darryl Bauer Economic Development Officer for PBDC were two terms last year and continuing as is Linda Markus our The Pas Community Economic Development Representative will continue for another year.
Shannon Goulet of CEDF was nominated for a 1-year term and accepted. Shannon brings along some great ideas, and enthusiasm. The chamber is excited to have her on board.
Appointed directors are Andre Murphy a Representative from the Town of the Pas. Jim Berscheid continues as the Representative from the R.M. of Kelsey.
Wilkinson noted “The key position is our Office Manager, plus all the volunteer work of our board. We would not have had many successes this year with out that office position.”
“All of the Chamber’s planning, inspiration and guidance, depends on our members who volunteer their time, our local business community and the involvement from our community as a whole.
Chamber is always looking for new initiatives for our community We will be asking members and non-members to participate by attending meetings and or just engage in conversation. We would like input to develop our communities’ initiatives. Jennifer Rooks is our Chamber’s Office Manager in a
temporary part- term position. Please feel free to reach out to Jennifer with your business or organizations challenges”
Wilkinson commented that “future of course will continue to include actively working with agencies to promote or develop economic development for our area while maintaining an active roll in community programs and projects. Membership drive and hosting events are imperative to the sustainability of the office manager position. We need someone working to develop business tools and digital business supports as well as co-ordinating delivery of workshops, grants and funding intended to address business issues especially around employee training plus attraction and retention, succession planning, insurance, point of sales systems, bookkeeping and taxation will continue to be priorities.”
We are hoping to open an office shortly, however we are taking that at one step at a time. Jennifer is available to chat anytime in person, by phone or text our number is 204-623-7256 email thepasdistrict@gmail.com.
