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Small business continues to be city’s economic backbone, new chamber president says

Kylie Sonmor is the new board president of the chamber of commerce, replacing outgoing president Jasmine Cameron

Small businesses continue to be the economic backbone of Moose Jaw and its social prosperity, and the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce is working to preserve that, the organization’s new board president says.

The chamber has an important role in representing the business community and can provide a bigger voice than one company on its own, said Kylie Sonmor. Whether it’s local taxation policies or the ability to harness meaningful financial support, the chamber supports the success of the business community at the local, provincial and federal levels.

“No issue is too small and you can’t put a price tag on these efforts,” he remarked on Sept. 24, during the chamber’s annual general meeting held on Zoom. “I’m looking forward to being president this upcoming year (2020-21). I’m excited for what we’ve done during the pandemic, with Jasmine (Cameron, outgoing president) at the helm, and just the sheer amount of excitement that remained in the business community.”

Sonmor added that it has also been great to watch businesses help other businesses in need.

In a message posted to the chamber website, Sonmor said a labour shortage could be addressed by engaging youths in meaningful ways, encouraging the re-entry of retirees into the workforce and taking advantage of the growing resources of the Aboriginal population.

Collaboration with municipal and provincial governments could also help build tax and regulatory policy that leads to economic growth and sustains a positive business climate.

Chamber AGM 2A panoramic view of the chamber's directors, who met for their annual general meeting on Sept. 24. Photo courtesy chamber of commerce

2019-20 financials

“What can you say about 2019, 2020 so far? It’s been an interesting time, that’s for sure,” said Aaron Ruston, board vice-president.

While the pandemic has affected businesses worldwide, the chamber has been fortunate to have strong leadership in CEO Rob Clark and office administrator Heather Bergdahl, added Ruston. He thought they had done a great job steering the organization and its members through the year.

Andrew Gilliam, with auditing company Benson Trithardt Noren (BTN), explained the financial statements for the 2019-20 year.

For the year ending June 30, the chamber saw revenues of $243,344 and expenses of $250,347, leaving a deficit of $7,003. In comparison, in 2019, the chamber had a deficit of $342.

The chamber has more cash on hand, mainly due to the money from the federal emergency business fund, said Gilliam. Furthermore, the chamber had to cancel events due to the pandemic, so sponsorship money received can’t be recorded as revenue until the events are held.

Meanwhile, even though the chamber saw a deficit of $7,003, most of that is related to amortization of capital assets, which means, she added, that the chamber had almost a break-even year.

The chamber has 519 members this year, which Clark pointed out is roughly the status quo for the past few years.

Outgoing president’s message

“It’s kind of honestly been a weird year,” said Cameron. “I don’t know if any other president will get the opportunity to take on a pandemic and have the presidential role here at the chamber in Moose Jaw, but it was different, it was interesting, but it was an experience.”

Despite facing many unforeseen challenges, the chamber used those as opportunities to grow and support its members, she continued. What stood out for her was the leadership and support that chamber staff provided and the innovative concepts they developed. These concepts included weekly Zoom “think tank” meetings, maximizing communications and giving daily updates through the website.

“The one thing I witnessed during my time as president,” Cameron added, “was the passion that those in our cities have for local business to succeed, the heart business owners have in providing our community with top-notch programs and services, and the overwhelming support a city can have for one another in a time of need.” 

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