Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce has a new president at the helm.
Ken Sumner takes over the post from Carlo Simonot. The announcement was made at the annual general meeting last Wednesday, along with the introduction of the board of directors.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun,” said Sumner. “The goal is to make things better for both business and the town. To be involved in an organization like this is very exciting for me.”
Sumner said there are a number of issues that the chamber has had a voice in and will continue to offer input to including the closure of Hwy. 781/Hwy 11 and exploration of other options for the intersection.
Concern has been expressed over traffic accessibility to businesses along the route since a ‘right-in, right-out’ configuration was installed last fall.
Sumner said he is also concerned the new set-up at the intersection will cause confusion this summer when tourists flock to the area. However, the province has said no lights will be installed at the intersection — instead, traffic will ultimately be directed east along a completed Memorial Trail to the Hwy. 20/Hwy. 11 intersection.
Sumner said looking at other options is still something that should be considered.
Looking forward, Sumner said it’s a plus that the chamber of commerce will be looking after the tourist booth and ensuring services are offered year-round.
“We want to use that as a launching off point to connect and promote businesses.”
Getting involved in plans for Sylvan Lake’s centennial celebrations is also an exciting opportunity, he said. “Our focus is businesses, and to work together with the town.”
Board members for the next year include Jeremiah Silbernagel, Wayne Stoesz, Trevor Pratt, Greg Weik, Joel Johannson, Lisa Glowatski, David Bourdon, Debbie Klingbeil and Brian Polowick.
In reflecting on the past year, Simonot talked about a range of successful chamber events including the Mermaid Ball and Business Awards, which is also a major fundraiser for the organization.
The annual Christmas party attracted 60 per cent more people then the 2010 event. “We were quite thrilled with that,” said Simonot.
Another good sign over the past while has been the interest shown by local business owners in getting involved in chamber leadership, he said.