Thank you for attending the 2018 President's Reception!
|
|
Thank you for attending the 2018 President's Reception!
It was a beautiful evening under the tent at the Norland Manor as we thanked Harry Gross for his service to the Chamber, celebrated the success of the presidency of Ryan Miller and welcomed Kristie Kruger as our incoming president.
At the President's Reception, we recognized Bruce Thurston as our volunteer of the year for his years of dedication to the Chamber. As well, we awarded Bill Halley with an Honourary Membership, recognizing his decades work in the Lethbridge business community.
We thank everyone who attended and look forward to continued success in the 2018-2019 year.
|
|
Welcome to our new Board of Directors
|
|
The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our 2018-2019 Board of Directors.
President:
Kristie Kruger, Realtor
Vice President:
Nicole Geske, Farmers Edge
Past President:
Ryan Miller, Select People Solutions & Teamwork Training Ltd.
Vice President, Finance:
Jared Cox, Cox Financial Group
Director:
Kyle Broadbent, KB Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.
Director:
Lorri Guimond, Clear Sky Radio
Director:
Dave Hasley, Varsteel Ltd.
Director:
Tara Lennox, Select People Solutions
Director:
Trevor Loomer, Tetra Tech Canada Inc.
Director:
Sandy Lyons, Grant Thornton
Director:
Ken Perlich, Perlich Bros, Auction Market LTD
Director:
Roy Pogorzelski, Pogo Bros. & University of Lethbridge
Director:
Mike Prociw, Economic Development Lethbridge
Director:
Mike Schmidtler, Lafarge Canada Inc.
Director:
Sharon Sproule, Alger Zadeiks Shapiro LLP
Director:
Rick Weste, Triple M Housing
Thank you to Ryan Miller for a year of leadership and guidance as President! We are looking forward to a year of success working with our new Board!
|
|
How Lethbridge Chamber is creating a corporate community of giving
|
|
You may have heard the old saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
When business and non-profit members of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce voiced a need for collaboration between the two sectors in 2016, Executive Director Karla Pyrch and her Chamber colleagues took notice and took action.
Non-profit organizations, comprising 10% of the chamber’s membership, were seeking support from and connection to Lethbridge businesses. And business members were eager to find new ways to engage their staff, customers, and community.
Under the leadership of former chamber president Randy Tremel and Brandie Lea from the University of Lethbridge, a Philanthropy Committee was born, and with it, a culture of cross-sector support. The committee meets monthly and strives to bring awareness to caring Lethbridge businesses of local non-profits in need of some form of assistance.
|
|
Nominations are open for the 2018 Business of the Year Awards and Top 40 Under Forty!
|
|
It's that time of year again!
Nominations are now open for the 2018 Business of the Year Awards and the Lethbridge Ch
amber of C
ommerce & BDO Top 40 Under Forty.
The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce celebrates the best in local business at the 2018 Business of the Year Awards Gala, October 18th at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre, during Small Business Week.
Every year, the Chamber recognizes the contributions of outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals to the Lethbridge business community. With twelve categories, the Business of the Year Awards provides recognition to outstanding Lethbridge businesses.
Top 40’s are the best and brightest in the city. They are all different but they are all high achievers. They include business people, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, athletes, community organizers, politicians, teachers, inventors and more. They give back to the community and elevate the city through their work, whether it is in their career or volunteer work. They inspire us through everything they do.
To make your nomination for the Top 40 Under Forty,
click here
! To make your nomination for the Business of the Year Awards,
click here
!
|
|
Happy Anniversary to Renewing Members
|
|
Exhibition Park – 118
Carline Muffler Switzer Automotive – 28
Investor’s Group Financial Services Inc. – 27
Southwest Design & Construction Ltd. – 23
Design Lighting & Fan Studio – 17
Total Office plus – 6
Funky Petals Flower Shop – 3
|
|
|
Are you making the most of your Chamber membership?
|
|
Top 40 Under Forty: Tim & Andrea Sandul
|
|
Tim & Andrea Sandul
are co-founders of The Port Coworking Space, a bright, open, and uniquely furnished coworking community located in Lethbridge.
Andrea earned a bachelor degree in Business Operations from DeVry Institute of Technology in 2007, after which she spent eight years working as a bookkeeper and business administrator. In 2013, Andrea launched her first business Equilibrium Bookkeeping, which is still going strong.
Tim studied Business Management and Marketing at SAIT. He has 10 years management experience in the automotive sector, including time as Operations Manager at Lethbridge Dodge. Through this experience, Tim has learned to look at all aspects, from the numbers to the people and personalities that make up the foundation of every business.
|
|
Tim and Andrea feel that the most important aspects of life and business are the relationships and trust that you build, by far the most important investment that can be made.
The duo works hard to build a strong community, both within The Port and in Lethbridge as a whole. They are proud to be running a business that is helping the growth of our city and small business community.
Andrea has worked to develop and facilitate a business planning workshop as a pilot project for Community Futures' Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program. She has worked with this program for a number of years offering business plan development coaching and support.
For their dedication to providing local entrepreneurs a place to grow their business, and commitment to making our downtown a more vibrant, sustainable place to live and do business, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and BDO are proud to recognize Tim & Andrea Sandul as two of Lethbridge’s
Top 40 Under Forty
!
|
|
The Top 40 Under Forty is presented by The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce & BDO
|
|
A Thought from the Corporate Philanthropy Committee in 73 seconds
|
|
Dos and Don’ts of Corporate Philanthropy
|
For a business, embracing a charitable giving strategy is a simple and effective way to give back to the community. But what’s the best way to start? Here are some simple tips to maximize the usefulness of your donation:
DO:
Focus on one issue. Stick to one cause or idea that you can fully support. Avoid trying to help everyone all at once.
DON’T
feel as though financial gifts are the only way you are able to give support. Gifts of time, energy, influence, or other resources can be just as helpful.
DO:
Get to know the organization. Connecting with a nonprofit can be a get-to-know-you experience, with an emphasis on learning. Be hands-on and proactive about your organization’s involvement.
DON’T
overcommit. Make sure your philanthropic endeavor is sustainable for your business and the organization you choose to support. If you volunteer your time to serve on a board or a committee, ensure you can fulfill all requirements.
DO:
Ensure that the organization you choose has a solid long-term financial plan. Is the charity run like a business? You don’t want to be involved with an organization constantly struggling to survive from month to month.
DON’T
jump in by trying to start your own charity or foundation. Choose an existing organization, one that has the infrastructure in place and has already demonstrated an ability to do the work.
DO:
Remember that there is a great deal of transparency in nonprofits. Tax records and financial statements are all matters of public record.
DO:
Follow your passion. Support causes or organizations that align professionally with your business and inspire you and your employees personally. It should feel good to give back.
|
|
HR in a Box
(September 12)
|
|
|
Thank you to our media partners for their continued support
|
|
Thank you to our
Community Investors
for their continued support
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
