New Chamber head looks at 2012

As the new president of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce Ron Irvine said he wants to focus on some strategic goals the organization has set for 2012.

Irvine said through a recent strategic planning session four goals were laid out for the year ahead.

Leading the list will be a Chamber effort to do whatever it can to "strengthen the labour market in Yorkton," he said.

"There are several ways to that," he added.

Among the efforts the Chamber feels will aid the local labour market is continued supports for a Trades and Technology Centre for the local Parkland College.

The Chamber will also work to see a greater "supply of affordable housing in Yorkton."

"We also believe supporting the new hospital is important," said Irvine, adding the facility would be an asset in attracting employees to the city.

A second priority is to see continued attention paid to the importance of the local airport.

Irvine said a key role for the Chamber is to "help with awareness" regarding the airport.

"A lot of people are not aware of all hustle and bustle going on out there on a daily basis," he said.

In the year ahead the Chamber also wants to improve its communication, in particular with members, offered Irvine. He said the organization staff has been meeting with members to get their direct input "on specific issues."

The Chamber is also looking to update its web presence.

"We want to look at redeveloping and relaunching our website this year," he said, adding it is "a little dated" as it now exists.

The final priority is to maintain the events the Chamber is known for, such as the Celebrate Success Awards, a biannual event which is coming up soon in 2012.

"It's a way to mark the achievements of some of the businesses we have here in the city," said Irvine.

Other events include the annual employee recognition event, and the Chamber's Business Dinner with the Premier.

Irvine said he had never really planned to one day head the local Chamber.

"Certainly not when I first joined the Chamber," he said, adding he joined as a way to network with other business people.

Then Irvine ended up with the Chamber's Public Policy Committee. At a meeting between the Committee, City Council and the local MLA he began to see the real value of the organization.

Irvine said the meeting showed how well the Chamber functioned as a way to get the important messages of business out to those who can affect change through local and provincial legislation.

"It really intrigued me," he said.

Ascending to president then became something Irvine said he was willing to do.

"It's really an honour. It's something I really look forward to being involved with," he said.