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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
As the city is set to elect its new mayor and council, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce will also be holding elections next week, as its 17-member board is chosen at the chamber's annual general meeting, and sworn in at the president's gala.

Sylvie Francoeur, interim executive director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, has been busy finalizing plans for the chamber's annual general meeting and president's ball next week. - Thandiwe Vela/NNSL photo

Both the lunchtime AGM and the evening president's gala—which includes a dinner and dance at Joint Task Force North--are scheduled to take place next Thursday.

"The AGM should be the most important event of the year for the chamber because that's where we present a report of activity, successes, the results of the past year, and of course, the elections," said Sylvie Francoeur, interim executive director of the chamber. "A few hours following the election and AGM, the board is officially sworn in by the mayor at the president's ball."

Chamber president Larry Jacquard has not yet officially put his name forward for a second one-year mandate, but Francoeur believes his first term was a success.

Highlights of the past year include a record number of networking events organized, including business after-hours events and the inaugural chamber golf tournament, Francoeur said.

"Larry has been an incredible president to the chamber and I think if the record number of activities are because of him, let's be honest, I mean, Larry's a powerhouse.

"He's a go-getter, he's very well organized, he's very professional and he gets things done. He's a great president and a great asset to the chamber," Francoeur said.

The board member nomination committee is asking for names to be put forward by next Wednesday, but chamber members can still present themselves for nomination at the AGM.

"We have people that have already put their name forward that are not on the board right now," said Francoeur, anticipating new blood on the next chamber board.

"Having new people with new ideas and different expertise is always good for a board, as long as some of the history and experienced board members are retained," said Jacquard.

He called his first year as president of the chamber a "phenomenal experience.

"I very much enjoyed it," he said.

Before the AGM and president's ball next week, the chamber will host its Yellowknife mayoral candidates debate at 6 p.m. tonight at Northern United Place.

Questions will be based on chamber member priorities including city spending, communications and access, and economic sustainability and growth.

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