ATHABASCA – The Athabasca Chamber of Commerce has a new president who’s excited to bring his experience to the table and wants to continue to build on the success of the “amazing groups” that preceded him.
Rick Baksza, a minority owner of Trident Pump Inc., plans to make use of what he’s learned in his 10 years as a member of the chamber as he steps into the role that was last held by Tova Schwede. In his time with the organization, Baksza has served a term as a vice-president, but besides that he worked as a director.
Baksza said that the Chamber Market was a “huge success” while Moonlight Madness and ‘Tis the Season were also highlighted as areas that he wants to focus on, calling them “the kickoff to Christmas.” For anyone that missed it in its first year in 2022 ‘Tis the Season is the newest spin on the holiday festivities, featuring events like a holiday sleighride, hot chocolate at the riverfront and a Christmas parade.
A newer project is a committee that has been formed to work with Athabasca University (AU) on its homecoming this year, which Baksza called exciting.
“We want to see more engagement with the university and businesses, so we’re trying to create a more encompassing network between the university and the greater business community.”
The chamber is hoping that through the pioneering of new events, and the continuation of old ones, they’ll be able to showcase their benefits to businesses. They are a volunteer organization, and as Baksza put it, you can never have too many volunteers.
Joining Baksza on the new board of directors will be first vice-president Brenda Skayman, second vice-president Penny Semashkewich, treasurer Carol Alberts, and secretary Chie Leppaie. The executive will be joined by six directors: Adam Pacholok, Tom Martin, Dan Boyko, Rachael Hemmons, Berna Boven, and Keith Plowman.
