New chamber president

Times Contributor

 

Some big changes within the Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce have taken place recently, most notably the appointment of Debbie Wakelam as the new president. Wakelam, who has taken over from former President Steve Jeffery, was quick to explain how Jeffery’s current accusations of plagiarism did not affect his role within the chamber. 

“His term was up and it was up to him to run again if he wanted, and he chose not to.”

Wakelam, who grew up in our community and is the owner of the Meadowlark senior care home, first became a member of the chamber to establish credibility for her business. 

With Wakelam at the helm, the chamber is moving forward with many great ideas to show how current chamber members, and other businesses in the county, can get the most out of their memberships.  

“We are looking more at marketing techniques for a better value to our members big and small. There are three key points I am focusing on, networking opportunities, member visibility and establishing a member-to-member program,” explains Wakelam.

With the mix of diverse businesses within Wheatland County, the chamber can provide networking opportunities to help connect local entrepreneurs, gain awareness, promote partnerships and build referrals for their business. As well, low cost advertising opportunities are available. With membership visibility the chamber is promoting window decals of the chamber logo and the use of the logo on websites to let the community know your business is a member. The member-to-member program is exclusive to chamber members. This includes discounts, offers and value added opportunities. 

“We are also hoping to have a once-a-month deal where a business can have an open house for other members, this can promote what they do within the community and offer networking possibilities to other businesses in the county,” adds Wakelam.

“With a fresh board mixed with new and old members there is definitely a new thought process of how we can bring better awareness to business in Strathmore. Your investment in a chamber membership will not only benefit your business but, with combined efforts and ideas we will go forward to help build a stronger community and Strathmore Chamber of Commerce,” Wakelam further explains. 

“Studies have shown that being a chamber member businesses rated more favourably by consumers and the community. Because our membership ranges from individual citizens, to small business, to large corporations we have now introduced new membership pricing” 

The new pricing ranges from $49 to private individuals to $198 for larger businesses.