Bonnyville Chamber says 2018 was a successful year despite challenges

Serina Parsons, Executive Director Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce, runs through the year’s financials to the board during the annual general meeting.

The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce held their annual general meeting Tuesday and despite economic challenges, the board said 2018 showed positives.

“We consider 2018 to be a very successful year during a very trying time for our region here in Bonnyville and across the province,” said Robyn Ducharme, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

The board decided to forgo the typical election of a new board of directors due to Executive Director, Serina Parson’s upcoming maternity leave and appointment to her position last year.

The 2019 Board of Directors and staff.

“You [the members] have shown resiliency in the face of very challenging economic times. We are committed to ensuring at the Chamber of Commerce a brighter and prosperous 2019 for us all,” said Ducharme.

Guest speaker Jason Leslie, communicators manager of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce

The guest speaker at the AGM was Jason Leslie, communicators manager of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.

He spoke about Vote Prosperity, a platform for the 2019 provincial election.

The platform highlights the four P’s of the election: prosperity, polarization vs priorities and policy.

“It’s an outline to leverage economic advantages to government and government competitiveness,” said Leslie.

He says the platform is non-partisan, data-driven, grassroots and action-oriented.

His presentation looked at challenges facing business, including growing provincial trade, building healthy communities, and improving government ability.

Leslie said the ACC is focused on showcasing positive stories that show faces that people can connect with.