With more than the weather changing outside, I am encouraged by upcoming removal of mandates and that we can continue our return to a normal business environment. Despite what the last twenty months has thrown at the local business community, you have pulled through resoundingly. I realize there are still hills to climb in this battle but as our business leaders, you will show us the way.
Nobody knows or understands the needs of their employees and customers better than you, the business owner. So as restrictions ease, I look to the business, not our government, to implement what they feel is needed to keep their customers and staff safe, while growing their business. Please be patient with all stakeholders as we move forward.
The Weyburn Chamber has been busy working with its counterparts to lobby a successful end to what we feel was an unnecessary burden by the Workers Compensation Board (WCB). WCB had intentions that if a staff member contracted Covid at their place of employment, it would negatively impact the business WCB rating. The Chamber has also had the opportunity to have a pre-budget meeting with Minister Dustin Duncan. We are always pleased to meet with our elected officials to discuss relevant topics of the business community.
The Chamber has some upcoming events, and on February 15th we will meet with Weyburn realtors to discuss all things real estate. The timing is fortuitous given the fact that Weyburn has received notification that its population has grown by 1.6% since the last census in 2016, making us the 4th fastest growing community in Saskatchewan. We will also be hosting a Handshakes and Hashbrowns with Mayor and Reeve coming in March. More details to come on this event and how you can get registered. And to wrap up March we will be hosting our Annual General Meeting on March 30th with business commentator Paul Martin as our guest speaker.
At this year’s AGM, we will also swear in a new President, Stephen Schuck.
As your Chamber, we are always here to strengthen our business community. Should you require any assistance, please feel free to stop by the office at #11 3rd St. Weyburn or give us a call at 306.842.4738.