Effective June 1, the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce has entered into a management agreement with The Leduc, Nisku and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce.
According to an email to members from Ponoka chamber president Sherry Gummow, the decision was made after the resignation of their executive manager.
“As you’re aware, we have been without an executive manager since May 5, 2023,” said Gummow in the email. “Since then, members of the board have been picking up the mail, answering phone calls, making sure bills are paid, following up on emails, and ensuring that all incoming funds are deposited.”
Gummow said the regional chamber is a “chamber of chambers” with a staff of 15 with experience in social media, graphic art and design, event planning, governance and police, accounting, fundraising and sponsorship raising, marketing and more.
“We concluded that it is realistically very difficult to find one person who has all these skills – particularly on short notice,” said Gummow.
The management agreement is until Dec. 31, 2023, with an option to continue.
“Whichever seems prudent at the end of the year,” said Gummow. “Rest assured that we grilled the team, as well as checked references from other chambers who have done exactly what we have decided to do.”
Gummow stated the Ponoka chamber office would re-open soon, adding a meet and greet with the regional chamber has been tentatively scheduled for June 19, with the location and time to be announced.
Those with questions about the change are asked to contact Gummow directly at 403-783-0730.