Yellowknife (Oct 27/04) - The newly-elected board for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce exhibits youthful enthusiasm.

However, it looks as though the members may have a test in front of them to ensure interest and involvement for their organization remains high within the Territories' capital city.

Steven Meister, manager of Ardicom Digital Communications, was elected president for the 2004-2005 year during the Chamber's annual general meeting on Friday at the Prince of Wales Heritage Museum Cafe.

Meister has been a member of the Chamber for the past six years. He has served on the finance committee, as chair of the business development committee for two years and as first vice-president this past year.

During the meeting, past president Jerry Jaud said the diversity within the membership created challenges in presenting unified fronts.

While close to 100 people showed up for last year's annual general meeting, this year's meeting was attended by less than half that number.

Yellowknife Chamber of commerce executive director Dale Thomson wasn't sure why there was less interest in the event this year, but said there were a few other events being held at the same time.

"We've had a fairly quiet year as far as the Chamber goes. I think you will definitely see a difference with the new vibrancy. The average age is between 35 and 40 and you'll see a lot of energy with that new board," he said.

Fees for membership with the Chamber increased over the past year, moving from $125 for a single proprietorship to $150.

Thomson said the memberships have begun to level off, after a rise over the past two years.

Apart from Meister and Jaud, the new executive includes Trent Fequet as first vice-president, Lana Roeland as second vice-president and Kevin MacIntyre as treasurer.

Fequet works as the general manager for Tli Cho Logistics, Roeland is the general manager of I&D Management Services and MacIntyre is a chartered accountant in his own company, Kevin MacIntyre, CA.

Jaud is the managing partner at FSC Architects and Engineers.

There has also been a number of director resignations, due primarily to job changes.

Directors serving the end of their second year include: Richard Barnes, owner/operator of Cold Mountain Computing; Tim Gawne, a branch manager with CIBC; David Connelly owner/principal Ile Royal Enterprises; Vince Kerr, manager of All-West Glass; and Mike Padula, business development co-ordinator for De Beers Canada Mining Inc.'s Snap Lake Diamond Project.

Directors beginning their first term with the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce include: Jim Eirikson, partner in NWT2000.com; Peter Simpson, general manager of Clark Builders; Kristen Cook, manager of Fraser Tower Suites Hotel; Matt Mossman, manager of corporate sales, Western region for First Air; Robert Paul, an account manager for NorthwesTel; Jeromy Ball, owner/operator with Boston Pizza; and Gary Reid, vice-president of customer service for Canadian North.