By Juanita Polegi, ACE, Executive Director Yorkton Chamber of Commerce
The definition of advocating is “to recommend or support by argument (a cause, policy, etc.)”. The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce takes its role as an advocate for the local business community seriously and advocates to all orders of government.
In 2024, the chamber met with the mayor and council to discuss Grain Millers Drive, an important economic corridor to the city. As this is not a city road, it is reliant on the local rural municipality to ensure upgrades are undertaken. At time of writing, no progress has been made and the deterioration of the roadway continues to be of concern.
In late June, the chamber held a meeting with several of its members to discuss opportunities and issues facing the business community and possible resolutions. The chamber then had the opportunity to meet with the new city manager to share these with him. With the upcoming municipal election, the chamber will host an All Candidates’ Forum on Oct 23 so that the public can meet the candidates for mayor and council.
On the provincial front, the chamber met with Greg Ottenbreit, MLA to discuss such topics as a new Regional Health Centre, Grain Millers Drive, taxation, and the provision of student loans for short-term educational courses. An All Candidates’ Forum for the provincial election was held on October 16.
Yorkton-Melville’s MP, Cathay Wagantall never refuses an invitation to meet with the chamber. In the first meeting this year, the discussion was focused on the carbon tax, federal debt, housing, and interest rates. Discussed at the second meeting were Bill C-58 and the tax implications to small businesses due to the changes in the capital gains exemptions brought in earlier this year.
As the Yorkton Chamber is a member of both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, it plays a supporting role for those chambers. The Yorkton Chamber has co-sponsored the two resolutions the Saskatchewan Chamber has submitted to the Canadian Chamber to be voted on at the Canadian Chamber’s AGM in October. The Yorkton Chamber has also been co-signatories to letters the Canadian Chamber has sent to a variety of federal ministers expressing concern on several proposed legislations pieces that will have a negative impact on Yorkton businesses.
But the chamber isn’t all advocacy. It has some fun, too! In April, the chamber held its 15th Celebrate Success Business Awards where 13 businesses received awards for their business excellence. Other awards presented included Distinguished Entrepreneur, Woman Entrepreneur, and Young Entrepreneur. Three not-for-profit organizations were also recognized for their contributions to the community. This event is held every two years and is a great opportunity to showcase local businesses.
The chamber’s AGM was held in a local craft brewery. Once the agenda was completed, and the drinks were served, one of the chamber’s directors interviewed the general manager of Harvest Meats – the number-one producer of hotdogs in western Canada – about its origins in Yorkton and the commitment it has to the city. Did you know that Harvest Meats produces 225 thousand hotdogs per day?
The chamber annually presents a scholarship to a deserving student in the Business Program at Suncrest College.
Coming up in October, the chamber will host its 25th Annual Chamber Business Dinner. The objectives of this event are to enable members of the business community to link with one another and build relationships, as well as to listen to a successful business person tell their story. Mosaic supports the chamber by being a sponsor and enabling four students and one teacher from each of Sacred Heart High School and the Yorkton Regional High School to attend the dinner at no cost. The students appreciate this opportunity and very much enjoy having their photos taken with the guest speaker. This year’s guest speaker is Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote, co-founder and co-owner of Black Fox Farm and Distillery.
A strong business community makes for a strong community. The Yorkton Chamber, incorporated in 1898, is proud to serve as an advocate and supporter of the businesses of Yorkton and district.
