The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce has elected its latest president. Mike Stackhouse will take the reigns over from Mike Popowich to lead the Chamber in 2019.
Stackhouse said it’s satisfying to be recognized by the other directors to be given the leadership of the Chamber over the next year. He has been working with the Chamber for a number of years as a director, and has wanted to try his hand at being president.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”
Those challenges will involve ensuring that the business climate in Yorkton is as positive as possible, whether it comes down to dealing with the impending carbon tax – which Stackhouse admits they can’t do too much about on a local level – to ensuring that the city works to make the business environment in town as friendly as they can.
“I think we need to be sure that our voices are definitely heard, as loud as possible.”
Stackhouse does note that the Chamber does have a good relationship with the City of Yorkton, but notes they should definitely make sure to use that relationship to advocate for businesses, both those currently in the city and those looking to move here.
“We want to act as that voice for business when talking to the city to make sure the climate is good for business.”
When it comes to his advantages when serving as president, Stackhouse believes his straightforward style is going to be an advantage for the Chamber.
“People that know me know that I’m a fairly straight shooter, there isn’t really much left to be decided as to what I mean when I speak. One of the things that I do bring to the table is that I’m pretty direct, and I want to be direct in a way that is fair and professional, but at the same time we want to advocate for business.
We want to do that in the most effective way, and sometimes that means we have to say things that aren’t always received favorably. I think that’s one of the things that I will bring to the table, I’m not afraid to say things that aren’t easy to hear.”
The other thing that Stackhouse wants to do is focus on the positives for Yorkton business, and while he says that there are definitely challenges with taxes and regulations, there are many successful businesses and business people in the city that show the potential of Yorkton.
“It’s difficult in a time of high taxes, and downtown has a lot of places that are empty. It’s difficult for people to see the positives, but there are a lot of positives, and there is a lot of potential here in Yorkton for businesses. We need to focus a lot on that.”
