Linda Turta, CEO of RAM Industries in Yorkton, was named a Woman of Influence in a recent issue of Saskbusiness Magazine.
"My brother told me," said Turta. " I was very surprised. I was very humbled.
"There are so many women in this province that are contributing to the economy and to our growth, so to be singled out by the magazine is humbling."
Turta said she "appreciates the word influence," but added she actually thinks of herself as more of "a contributor."
That contribution has meant involvement beyond her company's doors.
Turta said she enjoys "working with other businesspeople to serve the community in this capacity," adding that her efforts on various organizations probably contributed to being named to the list.
In the past Turta served on the former Good Spirit REDA, and is now a member of the City of Yorkton Economic Development committee. She also sits on the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Board and the provincial Manufacturing Council.
Turta said being involved "is a wonderful opportunity to liaise with other provincial business people."
The connections made at various board tables are no doubt part of the award in the sense that the average person is not likely aware of what RAM Industries is all about, reasoned Turta.
"We don't sell to the general public. We sell business-to-business," she explained.
While the recognition from Saskbusiness Magazine comes to Turta as a woman, she said being female has never been an issue for her.
"For me gender never played a role in my career decisions," she said.
Growing up "I was encouraged to do anything I wanted to do," she said.
And, Turta said she was never expected to follow family footsteps into their local business enterprises.
So after high school she went to university, taking business courses, and then took a position in British Columbia and later Regina.
"It was never my goal to come back to Yorkton," she said. "I never expected to be part of the family business."
Then in 2000 a chance to return home came along.
"It wasn't foreign for me to come back," said Turta, adding RAM was a spin-off originally from Leon Manufacturing, a long-held family business, "So there was some sense of family."
That said, Turta said being with RAM did offer its challenges.
"There was more pressure coming back to a family business," she said, adding she approached it like an new employee in a new business. " I had to prove myself."
Again Turta said being a woman was never an issue.
"It was more about age than gender," she said, adding at a younger age she had to show her skill set was up to running a company. "Gender was never a factor."
And now 14-years later Turta remains at the helm of RAM, and has garnered provincial recognition for her efforts as a businesswoman. She admitted she is surprised how quickly time has passed.
"I had no expectations about how long I would be here," she said. "I knew I had the opportunity to stay as long as I could do the job, and I've enjoyed it."
And Turta said she continues to have a singular ongoing goal for the business.
"It's always to grow the business. That's easy to say, but challenging to do," she said. " It's definitely a very important goal for me and the organization."
