It was a tough year financially for the Athabasca and District Chamber of Commerce.
Almost all of last yearís seven events were financial losses, chamber treasurer Christine Jensen said at the annual general meeting on April 13.
ìNot due to a lack of trying,î she added.
The chamber closed the year with a slight $800 loss.
President Todd Dutchak said the annual March tradeshow was also cancelled because not enough vendors participated.
ìDue to the economic times and some minor shortfalls, we couldnít get the tradeshow off the ground,î he said. ìWeíre going to hit the tradeshow hard and heavy this year and make it a success for upcoming 2016.î
He said that although the Athabasca Chamber Business Awards Gala in October was a success, attendance was borderline.
Around 200 people attended the gala compared to 350 the year before.
Executive board
There were some changes and constants on the chamber executive.
Dutchak and Rick Baksza went unchallenged in the election and resumed their positions as president and vice president.
Treasurer Christine Jensen stepped down from her position after four-and-half years.
ìI havenít been able to devote my time to the chamber and Iím very stretched in my own life,î she said.
Jensen will stay on as treasurer until a replacement is found.
Noel Major gave up his seat on the board of directors to volunteer as secretary.
Four spots are now open on the eight-member board.
Dale Hawkey has come on as executive assistant, where he will monitor the chamberís website and email account.
ìIíve been asked to help grow the chamber in any way the executive needs assistance with,î he said.
TED officer
The newest Tourism and Economic Development Officer Robert Buckle spoke at the AGM about Athabasca Countyís initiative to meet with businesses around the region and find ways to support them.
ìIíve always found that listening is a valuable skill, particularly for government, and there are certain things I can learn from you as business people,î Buckle said.
His goal is to visit 40 businesses this year.
