Melfort, SK, Canada / CJVR Today s Best Country
May 6, 2021 | 11:16 AM
The roadmap to reopening that was released by the provincial government is getting a seal of approval from the local business community.
Step one of the reopening plan could be reached by the end of the month, if COVID-19 vaccination numbers continue to steadily climb.
The Humboldt and District Chamber Executive Director Brent Fitzpatrick said the provincial government is essentially leaving the responsibility in the hands of the public.
“I think that is a wonderful way to put it because the onus is on all of us to try and get through this thing and get back to normal,” Fitzpatrick said. “If all we have to do is be cognizant and obedient of guidelines and then get vaccinated that seems pretty simple.”
Cam Lee, the chamber’s executive director, called the incidents “disappointing.” “I just want it out there that local businesses are doing the best that they can in these times that aren’t exactly a lot of fun for them either,” Lee said. “If people could just respect that and kind of play by the rules we can all get along and hopefully get over this COVID-19 pandemic as fast as we can.” He said the chamber doesn’t know at the present time whether these are organized or isolated incidents. Under provincial pandemic regulations, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan, including businesses.
In 2020, he ran unsuccessfully for city council. “I’ve been here for a while and I thought it would be a great opportunity,” Lee said. “I believe having a chamber of commerce back in Melfort will be a huge benefit for local businesses and the city as a whole.” As the executive director, some of his roles will include fostering relationships with local businesses, gaining new chamber memberships, and listening to concerns from the business community. Lee said one of his first projects will involve visiting local businesses to outline the benefits of chamber membership. “I’ll be going very quickly door to door to businesses in Melfort to explain why having a chamber is so important and some of the things the chamber can do for them,” Lee said.
The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce (MTACC) has hired its first executive director.
Cam Lee is taking the position as the MTACC continues to build a new chamber in Melfort from the ground up. Lee says the MTACC is an organization that can really help businesses in the area.
“It’s an organization that I think really has an ability to really look out for local businesses,” Lee told
northeastNOW, “hear their concerns, hear what they have to say, and represent them, and look out for their interests.”
Prior to taking the position with the MTACC, Lee had spent 18 years working for the local radio stations in Melfort. He said that while this position is something he’s never done, he’s excited for it and it will be a bit of a learning process.
“We’re really hopeful that we get a lot of strong candidates for this position, they will be the face of the Melfort Chamber for the foreseeable future.” The roles of the job will include member recruitment, planning and organizing various events, supporting board members on different projects, and assisting with social media and member communications. “We’re hoping for people who have either lots of history in business or in a marketing type of role, people who are not afraid to get out and go on a cold call for businesses, and somebody who can put forward what our commitments are to the business community the best way possible.”