NORTH BATTLEFORD - The Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce's Chief Operating Officer, Linda Machniak, has been recognized for her work with a new Diamond level accreditation.
The Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation will be formally announced at the annual general meeting and gala of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC).
CCEC introduced the ACE program in 2018 to promote and recognize Chamber executive development. The candidate must achieve excellence in six main categories: years of experience, participation in the Chamber network, professional development, Chamber development, Chamber leadership, and community leadership.
Machniak was thrilled with the honour.
"I knew the application had gone in for the new Diamond level, but it wasn't until I got the confirmation the other day that I knew for sure that my points and
everything that was in the application was calculated out to be that level," she said. "They did send out a news release with that in front, and congratulations, that I emailed to everybody. It was awesome."
Machniak also believes she will receive the 25-years of service pin as well, since she has been with the Chamber for a quarter of a century.
The local Chamber said in its release the ACE program has recognized gold, silver and bronze level designations in the past, but this is the first year the CCEC introduced a new Diamond level.
"The achievement is the highest industry standard in the Chamber profession in Canada," it said. "Linda will be among the first group of recipients to receive this Diamond level of recognition and achievement in 2025."
Machniak also previously received the gold designation.
Some of the projects Machniak is pleased to have been involved with in the Chamber includes Indigenous Workforce Development; starting the Immigration Resource Centre; and Shop Local programs.
Machniak enjoys her work with the chamber on many levels in her role.
"I love working with our members and business people in the community," she said. "We have such a great business community. I enjoy supporting them, and I enjoy promoting the community and being the voice of the community at tables provincially and nationally when I go to conventions."
Machniak is only one of two people to receive the Diamond designation. The other recipient is Rory Ring of the Chatham-Kent, Ont., Chamber of Commerce.
Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce board chair Glenda Rye said in the release that "after having the pleasure of working with our Chief Operating Officer, Linda Machniak, for the past few years, I see the quality in workmanship and dedication she contributes. Not only positively affecting our local Chamber and the Battlefords business members, but the associates across the Chamber network as well. Linda is very efficient and thorough in all she does and all of us in the Battlefords are fortunate to have her as a pivotal member of our local business community and Chamber of Commerce."
