The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce celebrated many highlights in 2020, such as the signing of the Indigenous Engagement Charter, and is looking forward to a busy 2021. (Battlefords Chamber of Commerce)

By Josh Ryan

Onto 2021

Battlefords Chamber remains focused on business advocacy

Jan 1, 2021 | 12:00 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic makes 2020 a year many may prefer to forget. While we’re not out of the woods yet, battlefordsNOW has chosen to produce our usual series of end-of-year stories with a focus on hope and the future.

The struggles of businesses across the country have galvanized groups like the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce this year.

Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak said the trying times of 2020 have made the Chamber do everything they can to give their members in the community the support they need.

“It’s been an advocacy laden year this year, working at all levels of government,” she said. “While it’s not a pleasant subject, it’s certainly a positive for businesses to have that access through advocacy.”

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The Chamber celebrated the 114 Annual Chair’s Banquet in January, signed an Indigenous Engagement Charter in Saskatoon later that month, and hosted its first ever Power Hour, a discussion with elected officials, in March. A few events also took place later in the year, including the BBEX Awards, as well as multiple political forums.

“There’s been some really strong highlights for the chamber in spite of the pandemic,” Machniak said.

The first ever Power Hour in March. (Battlefords Chamber of Commerce)

One of the most important reflections for members has been the many stories of businesses pivoting to adjust to the pandemic. Being able to host BBEX Goes to the Movies at the Capitol Theatre was particularly special for Machniak, as it was reflective of the work businesses had to do this year to stay afloat, while supporting charitable groups in their communities. The event was carried out with many modifications to account for COVID-19 restrictions, with changes to the individual awards as well.

“We really wanted to celebrate the resilience and community support that had been going on,” Machniak said. “Whether we keep this format or not, the response was very positive.”

“I’ve been so impressed and proud to represent businesses of this community that have done yeomen’s work.”

Chair Harris Sutherland at the BBEX Awards. (Battlefords Chamber of Commerce)

An eventful horizon

There’s little time for contemplation before bracing for another busy year in 2021. The Canadian Chamber announced a national strategy on management of COVID-19, rather than continuing to have reactionary measures. And there’s two big projects coming down the pipe that Machniak said will support members and provide answers in marketing opportunities.

First, the Battlefords Chamber has applied for a project that would allow members to participate in promotional videos in the first quarter of 2021. However, what will likely take much of the group’s initial time and energy is the Training & Employment Network (TEN). This is an initiative to provide support to communities and companies to integrate Indigenous, immigrant, youth and women workers into the local workforce. The Saskatchewan Chamber made the announcement on December 22, in support of chambers across the province.

The Battlefords Chamber will receive $10,000 in funding to develop and implement a Community Action Plan, in order to identify gaps in regional labour markets and create opportunities for employers and workers. Machniak said they will identify specifics for groups and programming in the New Year.

“There’s lot of support and work going on in the community, we just want to bolster that and add any support or programming we can,” Machniak said. “So that businesses are sustainable, but there’s some social investment as well.”

“Some communities are focusing on different things and we decided to choose Indigenous youth, immigrants and women workers in our area.”

The TEN is funded through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), then administered by the Saskatchewan Chamber. Battlefords Chamber Vice Chair Melanie Roberts said this should have positive impacts on both business sustainability and social investment in the area.

“The TEN initiative provides a great opportunity for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce to partner with local agencies to prepare indigenous youth and newcomers to support local employers with their labour needs,” Roberts said.

The Training and Employment Network comes with $10,000 from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. (Battlefords Chamber of Commerce)

There’s a few other items on the agenda further down the line in 2021. Machniak said members really want to have the annual golf challenge back in May and she hopes that some positive news of the state of the pandemic will help make that possible. The Chamber will also be joined in January by a business student from the University of Saskatchewan. While there have been students that have worked with the Chamber before, Machniak said having one at the university level will be particularly beneficial.

“We’re really looking forward to the projects and work they can bring to us during their time here,” Machniak said. “This will be exciting.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports