By Jordan Baker
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Within a city as business-oriented as Estevan, the importance of a strong and vibrant Chamber of Commerce is vital as a tool for both established businesses and prospective ones.
With executive director Michel Cyrenne completing his time at the Estevan Chamber in July after a six-year stint in the Energy City, the task of finding a replacement falls on the Chamber's board.
Ken Rowan, Chamber president, noted the board is searching across Saskatchewan and beyond to find someone to help move the Chamber forward while maintaining initiatives they are involved in.
Because of the Chamber's contract with the City of Estevan to be the city's economic developer, the role of the organization is extended beyond the more typical one of being a lobbying voice for business in dealing with the City.
Rowan said that is one of the determining factors into who the appropriate candidate for the position will be.
"We had a quick meeting with the mayor and city manager just to make sure as we're contracted to do economic development, we wanted to make sure that was still part of our mandate, because that would impact who we're looking for," said Rowan, noting it will continue to be a part of the Chamber's mandate.
The job posting will generally include Cyrenne's duties, which have been expanded since the last time the position was open. Aside from experience, they will be looking at candidates who have a background in economic development and tourism.
While that is something they are considering, with Manpreet Sangha positioned as the Chamber's economic development officer, and Rebecca Howie acting as marketing and events co-ordinator, it's not a primary concern.
Whoever the new executive director is, Chamber members will expect their voices to continue to be heard at the municipal level.
"They want us to keep moving forward with the development within the city. They don't necessarily like the fact that taxes are increasing, but at the same time, as long as that money is being spent appropriately, they want to keep moving forward. They want the roads fixed. They want us to keep advocating for that," Rowan said.
Those desires always have to be balanced with the economic development mandate the Chamber has with the City.
Rowan said they may form a hiring committee among the executive members and some board members as well, and that group will be in charge of the process.
"Whoever is successful is very involved in all of our executive meetings. They set the tone. They ask questions," said Rowan, who as the current president chairs those meetings.
The Chamber is hoping to have a replacement by the end of the summer, but Rowan said the organization is in good shape to carry on for a brief time without the executive director.
"I pay huge credit to Michel who said, 'even if you don't replace me right away, you could go a couple of months because you have a good staff here.' We've been lucky with the staff that he has hired," said Rowan.
They are expecting the position to be open for a couple of weeks to a month.
Rowan said the Chamber has been so used to Cyrenne being there that it may mean some greater involvement from the board for a brief time while a new recruit is brought up to speed.
"We're going to miss him, because he did such a good job, but we're also happy for him, because he's moving to something better for him and his family," said Rowan.
