Polegi makes influential list

Sask Business Magazine has named Juanita Polegi one of its Women of Influence in the most recent edition of the magazine.

Polegi, executive director of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce said inclusion in the 11th annual edition of the list came as a complete surprise. She said she only learned of the honour when a framed picture arrived via courier.

"I feel very honoured to be there There's some pretty influential women on the current list, and among the alumni."

Asked if she was nominated or simply chosen, Polegi replied, "I don't know what the process was. I haven't even had a chance to check with Sask Business."

Polegi was also left to speculate somewhat on why she made the list.

"It was noted that I've been involved with SEER," she said, adding helping create the new economic development regions was very gratifying from the perspective of working with many people dedicated to the vision of an organization dedicated to economic growth.

The magazine also made mention of Polegi's agricultural interests.

"She has become a significant bridge between the business community in east-central Saskatchewan and one of its key commercial drivers -- agriculture," detailed the magazine article.

"That's wonderful because I have a passion for both," said Polegi.

"She has been a driving force behind development of Yorkton's first Canola Expo and the Crop Interpretive Centre being developed in the region's largest city," continued the article.

Polegi said she comes by her interest and dedication to agriculture honestly, having been born and raised on a farm, attaining a degree on the field, and eventually marrying and residing on a farm in the Jedburgh area. "My passion has always been for agriculture. I'm a farm girl born and raised," she said.

While proud she made the list, Polegi said she doesn't know if it will suddenly open doors for her because she has gained some provincial profile.

"It all comes down to who reads the article," she said with a smile, noting while she had congratulations from her family added, "I don't think the older two (children) even know about it yet."