Ashley Babiy, newly sworn-in chair of the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce, addresses attendees during the chamber’s 120th annual chair’s luncheon at the Interpretive Centre on the Ridge, south of Battleford, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

A NEW MILESTONE

Battlefords chamber marks 120 years, swears in new chair

Jan 27, 2026 | 11:21 AM

The Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce marked a major milestone Monday, celebrating its 120th anniversary while formally swearing in a new board chair during its annual chair’s luncheon.

Ashley Babbie was officially inducted as chair of the chamber’s board of directors during the event, taking an oath of office administered by Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie. She is the current banking center leader for CIBC – North Battleford branch.

Before the induction, longtime chamber chief operating officer Linda Machniak reflected on the organization’s history and recognized outgoing chair Glenda Rye, who served in the role in 2024 and 2025.

“Glenda is a strong advocate for the Battlefords and wants to see us grow and be all that we can as a business community,” she said. “She would say, grow, baby, grow.”

Outgoing chair Glenda Rye, left, stands with longtime chief operating officer Linda Machniak during the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce’s 120th annual chair’s luncheon at the Interpretive Centre on the Ridge, south of Battleford, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

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Rye acknowledged Machniak’s leadership and reflected on her time as chair.

“The most important thing, and I cannot stress this enough, WWLD. What would Linda do?” Rye said. 

“ I do want to take a moment to acknowledge the fact that Miss Linda has been leading the chamber for the last 25 years.”

After being sworn in, Babbie addressed the audience, sharing her commitment to the Battlefords.

“Although I didn’t grow up here, I am truly proud to call it home, to raise our family, and to be part of this incredible community,” she said.

“I’m hoping to connect with our members, to be a voice and advocate for business growth, and to be an ear to listen to the needs, ideas, and opportunities of our members.”

The 2026 vice-chairs are Kayla Peterson and Pamela Connor.

Past and newly sworn-in chairs, along with longtime chief operating officer Linda Machniak, centre left, gather for a group photo during the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce’s 120th annual chair’s luncheon at the Interpretive Centre on the Ridge, south of Battleford, Jan. 26, 2026. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

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