Linda Machniak, left, was honoured for her 20th year with the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce. She is shown here with Warren Williams (Battlefords Chamber of Commerce), right, and Steve McLellan (Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce), centre. (File photo/battlefordsNOW staff)
Long Service

Linda Machniak honoured for 20 years of service with Battlefords Chamber of Commerce

Oct 25, 2021 | 4:13 PM

Linda Machniak, chief operating officer with the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating 20 years of service this year.

She was one of the Saskatchewan chambers representatives honoured with the Milestone Service recognition national award, during the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) annual meeting and conference recently.

Each year the CCEC honours chamber executives and staff from across Canada who provided longevity in their positions within the Chamber network, and awards the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation for those who achieve their level of excellence, the release stated. Machniak received her ACE designation in 2019.

Machniak said she appreciates being recognized.

“Time has certainly flown,” she told battlefordsNOW. “It’s hard to imagine it’s been 20 years. I’ve been so blessed to be [involved] with such great people here, not only staff but the board of directors and the business people I get to work with every day. It’s been a real pleasure; it’s my honour to serve the business community.”

Originally from rural North Battleford, Machniak first started with the chamber in 2001.

She said she has always had an interest in business.

Her grandfather, who owned a butchery in the community many years ago, was a chamber member himself. So Machniak has a strong connection to the chamber.

“There is certainly history with my family involved with business in the Battlefords,” Machniak said.

She adds she “loves the diversity” of her work, whether it’s planning an event, focusing on advocacy work, or addressing key issues for businesses locally.

“To think that I might have some impact on someone’s business success is very enriching,” Machniak said.

Derek Schmidt, vice chair on the local chamber board of directors, congratulated Machniak on her success and long commitment to the local chamber.

“We’re very proud of the work Linda has done for us, as the chief operating officer of the chamber. We’re extremely proud of the impact she has made on chambers across the province and across Canada,” Schmidt told battlefordsNOW. “She is well known in the chamber world. We couldn’t be happier for Linda and the 20 years of service she has provided us.”

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

View Comments