The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has a new leader, with a new title. Dallan Oberg has been handed the gavel as the newest chair.
He was formally sworn in at the Chair’s Banquet held at the Light of Christ Learning Centre Tuesday.
This is the first year the event formerly called the “President's Banquet” has taken the name “Chair’s Banquet,” highlighting the fact that Oberg is taking over during a time of transition for the Battlefords chamber.
The past year has seen the chamber board approve numerous changes to titles and to the composition of its board of directors. The changes have come about for the chamber to meet national accreditation standards.
In the past year the title of “president” was replaced with “chair” and “vice-president” was replaced with “vice-chair.” Linda Machniak’s title at the Battlefords Chamber has also changed from “executive director” to “chief operating officer.” The board is in the process of being reduced from 20 to 15 directors.
For his part, the new “chair” welcomes the moves.
“Change is fun,” said Oberg. “Change can hurt people or change can grow people. And I think change here will grow to the next level by helping the community in the way that we can.”
Oberg is a chartered professional accountant, and a partner with the North Battleford accounting firm Holm Raiche Oberg. Originally from Lethbridge, Alta., Oberg came to the Battlefords earlier this decade after completing his articling in Medicine Hat, Alta.
Oberg made it known his priority this term will be to better represent the chamber members.
“The priority is to find out what members need – better communication with them to find out their needs and what they are looking for, and how the chamber can advocate and communicate those with local governments and do what we are mandated to do,” he said to reporters.
In his address to those attending, Oberg made a pledge to personally contact at least half of the chamber’s membership list to find out what their concerns are, so he can share their struggles with government leaders.
“I’m going to fail. I’m not perfect. But I’ll be perfect in trying,” said Oberg.
Oberg has also pledged to continue other chamber initiatives, including expanding their reach as well as working with more First Nations. The familiar events such as the annual golf tournament and Chamber on Tap are continuing this year as well.
Handing over the gavel to Oberg Tuesday was Terry Caldwell, who has the distinction of being both the Battlefords chamber’s final “president” and its first “chair” all at the same time. Caldwell remains on the chamber board as past chair.
Also sworn in at the event were First Vice-Chair Harris Sutherland of Gold Eagle Casino and second Vice-Chair Derek Schmidt of Bill and Don’s Men’s Wear.
Education was another theme of the night. Dr. Keith Willoughby of the Edwards School of Business was the guest speaker and even the venue of the event, at the Light of Christ Learning Centre, underscored the importance Oberg placed on education.
“It’s important for business and education to get along,” said Oberg, who noted the need for the “next generation” to be able to step in and take over businesses.
