The election for directors to the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce for 2014 is unusually competitive this time.
Nominations have closed and a total of 14 individuals have come forward as candidates, with the field including seven incumbents seeking reelection as well as seven newcomers. Only 10 of them will be elected to serve on the board of directors for a two-year term that begins in January.
The elections will fill approximately one-half of the vacancies on the current board of directors. Ballots have been mailed out, and members of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce have until Dec. 31 to return the ballots to the chamber office.
Results are to be announced by Jan. 8. Over 360 members have the right to vote in the election.
Boothman, Brendon* (RBC Dominion Securities)
Originally born in Lloydminster, Brendon Boothman moved to the Battlefords in March of 2010 to build a business as an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities. Boothman graduated from Lakeland College in 2005 and started working with RBC in January of 2006. He became certified as a financial planner in January 2009, and is now working closely with business owners and farmers to create succession plans and plans for retirement.
As a community participant, Boothman is a director with Battlefords United Way and also sits on the finance committee of the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.
In the spring of 2013, Brendon and his wife Trissa celebrated the birth of their first child, Adelie Rae Boothman, and are excited to raise their family here in the Battlefords.
Bottomley, Jay* (Oil Can Charlie's Ltd.)
Jay Bottomley, owner and founder of Oil Can Charlie's Ltd., was raised in Calgary, Alta. where he received a diploma in marketing management at Mount Royal University. Bottomley has worked in the field of oil manufacturing and marketing for the last eight years, two of which were spent as branch manager in Red Deer, Alta., and two of which were spent as branch manager of head office in Calgary, Alta.
Bottomley has now been working in the Battlefords for four years. He is excited and anticipating the future economic growth and development of the Battlefords and surrounding area. He believes the key to handling and sustaining this growth will come in and through the people that reside and are currently active in the community.
"I believe that my business knowledge, and experience with living and working in a variety of small, medium and large centers, I will be able to add and assist in the growth and successes of the business community in the Battlefords."
Caldwell, Terry (Carpet Superstores)
Originally from the Battlefords, Terry relocated to Red Deer in 1991 to further his career in the floor installation industry. He established a specialty flooring installation business employing 18 full time installers. In addition, he designed and manufactured a specialty RV product that is still distributed with great success today.
In 2010, Caldwell moved back to the Battlefords and opened Carpet Superstore in North Battleford. In May of this year, Caldwell relocated and expanded Carpet Superstore into the old SuperCycle building, becoming the largest flooring showroom and warehouse store in Saskatchewan, employing 14 full time employees. This fall, Carpet Superstore was nominated and won the 2013 BBEX award for best new business venture.
Caldwell is excited for the future of the Battlefords and would love the opportunity to work with fellow business people through the chamber of commerce to further the continued growth and success of the Battlefords. After living through the explosion of Red Deer, Alta. in the 1980s and '90s, Terry has a good understanding of how business needs to be flexible to adjust for growth.
Caldwell feels qualified to offer his experience in business creativity, being involved in research and development, manufacturing, retail, small and start up business as well as larger organizations.
His main goal is the establishment of North Battleford as a "hub/destination" far and near, the place to go to shop.
Conley, Darla* (SaskTel)
Darla Conley and her husband Rob have raised their family in North Battleford. Working for SaskTel in North Battleford for the past 31 years, Conley currently holds the position of regional sales manager. Working with SaskTel has allowed her the opportunity to engage with several organizations in the community and she understands what drives business.
She received a business management certificate in 1981 and certification in the executive program in sales management in 2010 from York University. She has been a volunteer with various organizations in the past and welcomes the opportunity to continue as a member of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce board of directors, representing the interests of the business community.
Fiddler, Ruebecca (Loraas Environmental Services)
Ruebecca Fiddler, branch manager of Loraas Environmental Services Ltd. came to The Battlefords in 2011 to assist with the opening of the North Battleford branch. LES is a Saskatchewan owned and operated company with strong family values and a pride in community.
Initially Fiddler's time here was to be temporary, but after falling in love with the close knit community she decided to stay and take on the permanent role of branch manager. Fiddler is a director for the United Way and volunteers for various charities and non? profits. Fiddler and LES both believe that a strong economic foundation is key to positive growth in the community and with that belief LES is investing in a new recycling facility and is excited to grow with the Battlefords.
Fiddler is looking forward to being a part of the positive growth and eager to assist with the continuous improvement in not just our business community but our community as a whole.
Fuhr, Donna (DMD Studio / The Pleasant Garden)
I have been in business now for just over one year and it has truly been an enlightening experience. I enjoy daily serving customers and trying to go above and beyond in the customer service area trying to serve the needs of our community and surrounding communities. The Battlefords needs to be recognized as a destination area.
Previously I was employed with the City of North Battleford for close to 30 years at the RCMP Detachment and at the Allen Sapp Gallery. For a short period of time I was employed at the Town of Battleford both at the Town Hall and at the RCMP detachment, which was then located in Battleford. I believe this experience has given me insight into the dynamics of the Battlefords area.
I had volunteered for about six years with Battlefords Tourism receiving volunteer recognition as volunteer of the year as well as lifetime volunteer. This experience allowed me to attend trade shows in Regina and Edmonton meeting many other individuals working on promoting our province as well as our community. I also volunteered with the Kiwanis Club at bingos and helping with breakfast at the Relay for Life.
I sincerely believe that the Battlefords has much to offer to its residents. We as a community must encourage participation in our community as a whole for growth and to better our economy. I believe I can help make a difference by being a part of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.
Graham, Jeff (Bee-J's Office Plus)
Jeff Graham is originally from Mississauga, Ont., and has spent the last 11 years residing in the Canadian Rockies.
His wife and daughter reside with him in beautiful Battleford. He is currently employed with Bee?J's Office Plus as the territorial sales representative.
Graham was employed with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. He mentored in various growth and development positions from the housekeeping trainer to the Fairmont gold concierge. He accomplished full membership to Les Clefs d'Or association of Concierge of Canada and the world.
Graham has supported the communities he has previously lived in, and believes that "if it works, pass it on to those that are willing to try." Examples included coaching youth hockey goaltenders, supporting local charities outside of business requirements and enrolment in the Canmore Community Daycare Board and now the North Battleford Day Care.
Lee, Ed * (M & M Meat Shops)
Ed Lee is the owner/franchisee of M & M Meat Shops. Ed and Betty Ann opened their store in North Battleford in 1996. He moved here in 1971 from Lloydminster, while with Canada Safeway.
Lee has been involved with the chamber of commerce as a director since 1998 and in 2001 won the BBEX Award for Community Involvement. He is a member of the North Battleford Lions club, is a local director on the board of Access Communications Co?operative Ltd. and serves on the board of the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.
Lee feels there is tremendous potential for oil, industrial, supply management, food processing and commercial development in the Battlefords. He says the potential growth for the Battlefords and area is incredible and the chamber needs now, more than ever, to have a close and good working relationship with both Battleford and North Battleford councils and administration. Lee would like to see more growth in the commercial and industrial sectors. This adds more jobs to the community and higher paying jobs which leads to higher growth in the Battlefords. Lee believes we are not growing as much as the rest of the province and we should be doing more to receive our share of Saskatchewan's prosperity.
Mak, Alberta (Action Realty ASM Ltd.)
My family and I have resided in the Battlefords for over 16 years and are proud to call this our home. We have seen the community grow and develop in leaps and bounds since we arrived. From a new Walmart being built, to an amazing housing boom that took off in 2007, and the vision of the multiplex facility and to the final ribbon cutting of that facility, the CUplex, our community is doing well and we should be proud of our accomplishments!
I have been part of the business community as a Realtor for over eight years and I am now the broker/owner of the most recent real estate company in the Battlefords, Action Realty ASM Ltd. I believe in using my talents and abilities to serve others and this is why I sit as a director on the Council of Battlefords Realtors and also on the My First Home (Habitat for Humanity) board. I live and work by the golden rule, "Treat others the way you want to be treated."
I believe we need to cultivate a healthy business community in order for the Battlefords to continue to see growth in all areas of our community. As a business owner I am excited to be contributing to this growth. If elected as a director, I will take my role seriously, contribute any way I can and bring my experience in business and real estate to the table.
Moe, Ryan* (G & C Asphalt Ltd.)
Ryan Moe and his wife Lisa have been in the Battlefords since 2010, and proudly welcomed their daughter Sophia to the family in March of this year. Born and raised on a small farm in northern Alberta, Moe grew up in the paving industry in Grande Prairie, Alta. at what is now a sister construction company to G & C Asphalt Ltd.
After 12 years at Wapiti Gravel Suppliers, Moe is proud and humbled at his position as area manager here in the Battlefords, working with such a strong and dedicated group of people and allowing them to carry on G & C's tradition of strong community support and involvement.
Moe has served on the board for the most recent term, and wishes to bring his leadership to chamber members serving in an executive position going forward.
The opportunity for the Battlefords to attract new business and along with that, new people is excellent in Saskatchewan's strong economic climate. Moe looks forward to encouraging and helping the business as a whole to take advantage of that.
Renwick, Gwen (Innovation Credit Union)
Gwen Renwick and her family moved to the Battlefords from Vancouver over 16 years ago, but she is a prairie girl at heart as she was born and raised around Saskatoon. She spent many summers at her family's cottage at Jackfish Lake growing up, so always considered the Battlefords her second home.
Renwick is an investment specialist with a financial planning designation with Innovation Credit Union. She has worked in the financial industry for more than 25 years and has experience managing several retail businesses. Renwick hopes her experience can bring valuable feedback and enthusiasm to the board of the chamber of commerce.
Renwick was on the board and executive of the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club for 10 years, and is actively involved in fundraising for the BUH Palliative Care Unit and volunteers as needed with charities in the Battlefords.
Renwick and her husband of 24 years have raised both their children in the Battlefords and agree the community and wonderful citizens of the area make this a great place to call home. They hope to spend many more years here and are excited to contribute to the growth of the Battlefords in the future.
Torres, Marcela* (Cleaning Call)
Marcela Torres moved to the Battlefords in 2011, and since the beginning, she has made strides to be involved in the community. Originally from Mexico, she lived all her life surrounded by entrepreneurs and that spirit made her start her own company Prairie Cleaning Call, a cleaning company that provides housekeeping services to the Battlefords and surrounding areas. She was recently appointed by the chamber as a director with the Battlefords Tourism and Convention Association, and became a member of the Rotary Club.
Torres and her fiancé Paul Scott see the Battlefords as a growing community with a lot of potential for future and expanding businesses, as well as a beautiful community to live and raise their family together.
Watts, Trevor (Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium)
I am the owner of the new Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium, first ever crematorium to be located in the Battlefords. I am a licensed funeral director, embalmer with 11 years experience and am now a certified crematorium technician. I am pleased to call the Battlefords home having lived here most of my life. I am married to Adria and we have two children, Layne and Breanna. I am a member of the Battlefords Wildlife Federation, as I enjoy hunting, fishing and the outdoors. For many years, I have also been a part-time firefighter with the City of North Battleford. I also assist with coaching the Battlefords Minor Tackle Football.
The Battlefords is a great community to raise a family. I believe this to be a great opportunity for me to give back to the community by seeking election to the board of directors for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce. I also believe in the Battlefords, and with the strong economic growth happening, I would like to see the city continue to thrive in this economic market.
Williams, Warren* (Bralin Technology Solutions)
Warren Williams is a senior account manager in charge of new business development for Bralin Technology Solutions and has over 30 years' experience in customer service and public relations.
Williams is currently serving as president of the Rotary Club of the Battlefords and has served as a director for Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon. He enjoys his membership with the North Battleford Golf and Country Club and has served as a volunteer for the Battlefords Sexual Assault Centre.
Williams, his wife Cindy and son Dakota were all born in North Battleford and consider the Battlefords to be a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. As a family, they have a vested interest in contributing to this community.
The Battlefords continues to be a vibrant community that is strong, caring and poised for emergence as a premier place in Saskatchewan's growing economy and Williams wants to contribute to helping make that happen by continuing as a director with the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.
