2022-2023 Board Candidates

VOTE

for your SASKATOON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

APRIL 28 Ballots emailed to the membership

MAY 12 Voting closes at noon

MAY 26 The new Board will take effect at the Annual General Meeting

BOARD CANDIDATES

Kamanashis Deb Realtor®

Royal Lepage Varsity

Chamber Involvement: Currently, I serve as a member of the Advocacy Committee.

Current and previous roles on other boards of

directors: Currently, I serve the City of Saskatoon's Municipal Heritage Advisory committee as a Board member, Director of the Canada - Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, and as an Executive member of the Hampton Village Community Association. Pre-COVID-19, I was the Pavilion Manager for the Bangladesh Community during Saskatoon’s Folkfest in both 2018 and 2019. I also served on the executive of the Bangladesh Community Association of Saskatchewan between 2011 - 2019, including as President for 2018 and 2019. In this role, I built bridges with various groups, including Indigenous communities, African, Philippine, Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern and European associations. Before moving to Canada, I served on the Board of Human Rights in Bangladesh as Division Secretary in the early 2000s.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge can you contribute as a board

director: As one of Saskatchewan’s leading Realtors, I am known as a friendly and frank problem-solver, a tireless champion of Saskatoon and dedicated team player. My network is strong across the city, province, and country as well as around the world. Mostly importantly, I work with Saskatoon families every day and understand the real value of both their time and their money.

My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is:As I arrived in Saskatoon in 2008, I sensed the entrepreneurial spirit of Saskatchewan’s largest city. This spirit continues to define Saskatoon as does the potential of our downtown, the picturesque Meewasin Valley and the mighty South Saskatchewan River. The University of Saskatchewan - with its globally recognized centres of innovation, like VIDOInterVac and Canadian Light Source synchrotron, both helping fight coronavirus - is a fundamental pillar of our city and province. But most importantly, this is the best city in Canada to live, work and raise a family.

Why the Chamber Board? I am asking to serve on the Chamber Board for three reasons. First, I would like the privilege of helping the Chamber be a stronger, vital bridge between our business community and various newcomer groups. Second, as a leading Realtor in Saskatchewan, I want to be a strong, consistent voice for business and growth in Saskatoon; now more than ever, we must stand up for lower business taxes and greater respect for small business owners. Finally, I want to help grow Saskatoon and ensure that the voice of industry and commerce is respected and understood in civic decisions and deliberations.

Ray Bourner General Manager

Riide Holdings Inc.

Chamber Involvement: I am currently on the Entertainment District Task Force.

Current and previous roles on other boards of

directors: NEAJBHL Hockey – President.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge

can you contribute as a board director: Strong operations management background.

My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is: No matter what I’ve done or where I’ve worked, Saskatoon has always been home.

Why the Chamber Board? I strive to make my workplace better each day than it was the day before. The chamber does as well. Joining forces to make our city better, I can’t wait to get started.

Joseph Gill Partner and Startup/Technology Lawyer

McKercher LLP

Chamber Involvement: I currently serve on the Chamber Board and as the Board’s Corporate Secretary. I also serve on the Chamber’s Finance and Governance Committees.

Current and previous roles on other boards of

directors: Board Chair of Ideas Inc. – a business incubator for start-up companies in Saskatoon and surrounding area. Board Member of Bridge City Wildlife Federation – a charitable non-profit devoted to conservation efforts in Saskatoon. Past Regional and Provincial Director of Saskatchewan Young Professional & Entrepreneurs Inc. – an organization devoted to creating business and networking opportunities for youth members of the Saskatchewan business community.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge can you contribute as a board

director: Legal and business background; strong knowledge and understanding of the technology, innovation, and scientific sectors in Saskatchewan. My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is: Great city that punches far above its’ weight in quality of life, business opportunities, social experiences, and food. Saskatoon is also a wonderful city for collaborations among concerned industry groups, community stakeholder groups, and the public at large.

Why the Chamber Board? I believe we are at an important point in our history as we look to attract global talent, drive growth towards a thriving city, and support all our citizens. The Chamber gives me a chance to give back to this City and its’ community members and play a small part in shaping policy that will best position Saskatoon for continued success.

Louis Aussant Architect | Principal | CEO

aodbt architecture + interior design

Chamber Involvement: I am currently on the Entertainment District Task Force.

Current and previous roles on other boards

of directors: Member-at-Large – City Park Community Association; past Member-at-Large – Stonebridge Community Association; past Board Member of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board – City of Calgary; President of the Cowan Water Sports Club

What specific strengths and sector knowledge

can you contribute as a board director: Good understanding of building & development processes throughout the prairie provinces; good sense of current building industry trends and sustainability; good infill development knowledge; good business sense and proven leadership

My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is:Saskatoon has it all (more than just one thing)! Raising a family in Saskatoon is much more fulfilling than our experience had been in Calgary. Both our daughters were born in Calgary (2001 & 2004). Very shortly after moving back to Saskatoon in 2010, we realized how accepting the community of Saskatoon was. What isn’t there to like? The friendly people – the easy access – the river – the festivals – the business community. My wife and I have found the people to be more genuine in SK. Saskatoon truly feels like ‘home’. Furthermore, our two daughters have been drawn to USask!

Why the Chamber Board? Saskatoon is great. There are many areas, from a business perspective and from a broader community, which can be improved upon. Doing business in Saskatoon has not gotten easier in the short 12 years since I have been back. Having worked in many other jurisdictions has allowed me to see and experience things differently (more objectively). I am excited to continue contributing to the advocacy aspects of local businesses through participating within the Chamber. Heather Ryan Vice-President Supply Chain

Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL)

Chamber Involvement: Currently, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Board member and sit on both the Governance and HR committees.

Current and previous roles on other boards

of directors: Current Chair of the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation Board; Director on the Co-operative Superannuation Society (SCC) Board, and past board member of both the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan, and FoodTech Canada.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge can you contribute as a board

director: I was born and raised on a farm north of Melfort so I have a rural upbringing but have lived in Saskatoon for the last 30 plus years. My husband is a small business owner in Saskatoon which provides me insight into the private sector, and I have worked in numerous industries including, retail, wholesale, research & development, and telecommunications. I am very business centric and have deep subject matter knowledge of human resources and labour relations and have recently moved into a role overseeing supply chain which is very relevant given our current global supply chain issues.

My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is: I have resided in Saskatoon since 1989 and consider myself a Saskatonian. I attended the University of Saskatchewan for my schooling and continue to raise my family in this amazing community. My favourite thing about Saskatoon is that it is full of exceptional hard-working value-based people, and it is the perfect balance of opportunity and security. Saskatoon is a beautiful and safe city, and I am proud to call it home!

Why the Chamber Board? I have been very fortunate to have (and continue to have) a very rewarding career in this community but I continue to want to ensure I give back to the community I call home. The Chamber has member representation from across all industries and sectors and I have found it very rewarding to be on this Board and focusing on the interests of the Saskatoon and surrounding area business community.

Wanda Waldner Owner

National Bank of Canada

Photo: Kendra Jean Photography Chamber Involvement: Current member of Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

Current and previous roles on other boards

of directors: Saskatoon Usadians Executive Association: Secretary/Treasurer Nov. 2016Oct. 2019; Vice President Nov. 2019 - Oct. 2020; President Nov. 2020-Oct. 2021; Past President Nov. 2021 – current.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge can you contribute as a board

director: Experience working with businesses in all economic sectors with a focus on finance and business success.

My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is: Saskatoon is a smaller city, with a big city feel. It is a dynamic combination of business and family-oriented community all in one. The people here are one of Saskatoons greatest assets, strong, hard-working, and resilient. It’s where we chose to raise our family and where we would like to see them thrive in the future with their families.

Why the Chamber Board? It’s an opportunity for me to participate in an organization that prides itself on being a community builder and business champion. Businesses both large and small, are the backbone of our community. I believe that a strong business climate which provides opportunities and most importantly, a great quality of life for everyone, will result in a very prosperous future.

Shaina Lynden Co-Owner

Ryde YXE Cycle Studio

Chamber Involvement Participated in 2021 Totally Locally Campaign, 2021 Chamber on tap speaker, 2019 panelist for the Chamber Summit, 2018 Regina Chamber panelist on national study on Indigenous women in business.

Current and previous roles on other boards of

directors: Current board of directors for You Are More Project, a non-profit in support of victims of sexual violence.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge

can you contribute as a board director: Small business owner of 2 Saskatoon locations with over 6 years in business. Experience in both small and large-scale event planning and fundraising and advocate of diversity and inclusion with thorough public speaking experience. In addition, I have a strong knowledge base in public safety and issues concerning the downtown core with 16 complete years as a Saskatoon police officer. My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is: I love the small town feel that Saskatoon has mixed with the big city attractions and incredible food scene. Supporting local is truly a way of life.

Why the Chamber Board? As a born and raised Saskatonian who is now raising a family here, I have a deep-rooted passion for serving this community. As a female, a member of Yellow Quill First Nation, a business-owner, and Police officer, I would love to utilize my experience and contribute to the growth and development of this community in new ways while aiding in the continued success and diversity of the Chamber board of directors and its investment in Saskatoon.

Tanis Taylor Principal

CCA Consulting

Chamber Involvement: Currently, 2nd ViceChair; Chair of Advocacy Committee; Chair of Finance Committee. Member of the Governance Committee. Past Chair of the Covid-19 SubCommittee. Past member of the Nomination Committee (2021).

Current and previous roles on other boards

of directors: Past Board Member – Saskatoon & Region Home Builders Association; Past Board Member – Saskatchewan Home Builders Association; International Coaching Federation – SK Chapter.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge can you contribute as a board director:

Strengths include Strategic Planning, Project/Portfolio Management; Sales Leadership; Coaching to Performance; Financial Management, Budgeting & Business Planning; Change Leadership; Risk Identification and Mitigation; Facilitation; Networking. Sectoral knowledge includes Finance, Real Estate, Non-profit. My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is: The spirit of “Coopetition” within our business community whereby businesses – even when competitors – proactively and collaboratively supporting each other. Saskatoon’s businesses exemplify the adage: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Thus, why Saskatoon punches above its weight.

Why the Chamber Board? The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce itself, and through its linkages with other Chamber bodies provincially and nationally, is positioned to raise the voices of local business to and through all levels of decision-makers. Thus, it bears important responsibility to its members, along with important influence. The Chamber listens to the business community, and regulators listen to the Chamber. Thus, the Chamber gives businesses a unique voice and influence on issues that matter.

Dawne Badrock Owner

Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning

Chamber Involvement: Chamber Member

Current and previous roles on other boards of directors:Currently School Board Trustee, (PSSD); Prairie School Division since 2014.

What specific strengths and sector knowledge can you contribute as a

board director: Leadership experience, Business Admin Diploma, Healthcare Admin Certificate, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N.) Business owner since 2009.

My Favourite Thing About Saskatoon is:

Beautiful, scenic, medium size, great place to raise a family.

Why the Chamber Board? I am entrepreneurial and I believe a strong business community is central to the success and life of a city community. A flourishing city requires a healthy, strong business sector.

VOTE

for your SASKATOON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

APRIL 28 Ballots emailed to the membership

MAY 12 Voting closes at noon

MAY 26 The new Board will take effect at the Annual General Meeting

Chamber Happenings

STC and Safer Downtown: Action Plan to Address Homelessness

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand a has been leading a series of initiatives aimed at providing shelter and related services for our city’s most vulnerable residents. These Indigenous-led programs and services are providing the right support, at the right time – rooted in cultural outreach and understanding that is different than conventional approaches.

Chief Arcand walked us through the scope and success of these initiatives.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand Police Chief Troy Cooper

Fire Chief Morgan Hackl

You can rewatch the event here

Power Up! Series

Power up with practical advice and resources to give you an edge in today’s competitive environment. This dynamic series features industry experts who provide real-world tips and tools to boost your business – right away!

In February we had two very informative sessions, Brett Elmgren from Axom Leadership brought us Leadership & Psychological Safety: How to create a high performance organization. Also Jill Sauter from Bench Strength Marketing discussed with a group of The Chamber members how to prep your B2B Business for a sales wave.

We’re on the look-out for great presenters on topics you care about. If you have any suggestions for future topics or speakers send us an email to events@saskatoonchamber.com

Brett Elmgren Axom Leadership Jill Sauter Bench Strength Marketing

Rewatch the event here Rewatch the event here

SPRING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

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HIGHLIGHT REEL

Chamber Happenings

Chamber on Tap: Katrina German, Ethical Digital

Big Ideas. Lessons Learned. Advice from those who have started up and started over. It’s all on tap in this series of social events where our business community comes together to hear from our city’s movers and shakers.

Chamber on Tap LIVE! in March with Katrina German from Ethical Digital.

Reconciliation Roadmap Launch

The “Reconciliation Roadmap for Small Business” was developed and launched by the Chamber’s Call to 92 Committee comprised of business leaders committed to advancing Indigenous business, partnerships and economic participation.This roadmap has been developed to guide small and medium size business owners looking to support economic Reconciliation in our community. It offers clear, actionable steps for any business to take, with links to partners and resources to help you along the way.

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