Outgoing chair Melanie Roberts, right, passes the gavel to incoming chair Derek Schmidt, as part of the tradition. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Hybrid gathering

Chamber welcomes new chair and new branding at ceremony

Jan 25, 2022 | 3:48 PM

It was an exciting time for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Tuesday when incoming chair Derek Schmidt was welcomed into his new role.

The 116th Annual Induction Ceremony was a hybrid ceremony this year. Some participants attended the event in person at the Blend Restaurant, while others attended virtually. COVID-19 protocols were in effect during the luncheon.

Schmidt is replacing outgoing chair Melanie Roberts, who is now moving into the position of past chair.

“A lot of it is going to be status quo, but there are going to be some changes, some tweaking of how we do things and how our board engages with other members,” Schmidt said of the chamber’s plans ahead. “So it is going to be an exciting year.”

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Schmidt said the chamber is also still trying to get through the pandemic in 2022.

He said hopefully more activities will begin to open up again in the future.

For Roberts, the past year has been a busy one for the chamber, and also challenging due to the COVID-19 situation.

“Networking is really important, along with those events,” she said. “They help us both fiscally, but also to understand what our members’ needs are.”

Kyla Vaughan of Vaughan Graphics, left, with Battlefords Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer Linda Machniak. Vaughan designed the new brand logo for the chamber. Both removed their masks briefly for the photo. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Roberts said the chamber had to be creative in 2021, not only to meet the budget bottom-line but also to continue to connect with its members.

“I think we’ve done a decent job, and I agree with Derek there is lots of more work that can be done with engagement of our business community,” she said. “I look forward to his strategies on that.”

Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie attended the ceremony in person, while North Battleford Mayor David Gillan participated virtually. Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill also took part in the ceremony to show his support.

New logo, new name

During the ceremony, the chamber unveiled its new brand image and logo, designed by Kyla Vaughan of Vaughan Graphics. The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce will now be called the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce as part of that new look.

Chamber chief operating officer Linda Machniak said the new name and image reflects the chambers presence throughout the Battlefords area.

“We’re involved with Truth and Reconciliation,” she said. “We believe in partnering with our First Nations neighbours and friends.”

The five colours in the logo design reflect the five area municipalities the chamber represents.

The new brand slogan for the chamber is “Connecting voices. Building business.”

Machniak said the logo connects more to business, and what the chamber stands for in the region.

Shop local

Another highlight during the ceremony, the chamber released a new detailed report that looks at the benefits to the economy from shopping local.

The Economic Impact of Shopping Local on the North Battleford Regional Economy study, commissioned by the local chamber, was prepared by Praxis Consulting Ltd.

The report shows what the impact on the community could look like from just a 10 per cent increase in spending at local firms in the region.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow