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 Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce president David McPherson, left, outgoing executive director Ellie Sasseville and outgoing president John Ondrack spoke at Friday night's President's Banquet. -- Thorunn Howatt/NNSL photo
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Sarah Holland
Northern News Services
David McPherson, the new president, was sworn in at the chamber's banquet last Friday. A resident of Yellowknife since 1980, he runs his own mortgaging business.
McPherson said he has a strong belief in the chamber's ability to promote communication between businesses and the government.
"We want to try to strengthen our advocacy role for our members ... and advance the chamber movement in Yellowknife," said McPherson.
"I think the next few years are crucial to the development of business and the overall community for a long time to come."
Communication is key to the chamber's role in the community, said McPherson.
"We want to know what issues are important to our members. We like to let the territorial and municipal governments know that we're here. The city of Yellowknife is good at keeping us informed, but the territorial government could improve their communication."
McPherson gives the example of the road toll as poor communication. "The government didn't consult us, he said. "That hurt."
The chamber's membership is also an important issue for McPherson. A business only has to phone the chamber and pay a membership fee, he said. Fees are based on the size of the business.
"We want to make it more obvious to businesses the benefits (of membership)," said McPherson. "We'd like to expand the benefits, like group discounts at hotels and travel. Show return for membership fees."
The new executive director of the chamber is Dale Thomson, who replaces Ellie Sasseville on Nov. 15.
Three awards were given out Friday night.
The business award of merit went to the Yellowknife Inn. The business person of the year is Jerome Babyn, general manager of Northland Utilities.
A new award was also presented in honour of Mike Piro, one of the founding members of the chamber. The Mike Piro Award of Dedication is given to a director who takes an active role in the chamber and has a positive impact.
John Taylor, last year's chamber treasurer, was honoured with the new award.
