Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 5, 2007

HAY RIVER - When Stephanie Fisher looks back at her childhood, it seems she was destined to work in the business world.

The executive assistant with the Hay River Chamber of Commerce said she was interested in business ever since she was a little girl.

When she was about six years old, she would play office with her friends, pretending to address envelopes and making imaginary telephone calls.

"They didn't like it, but I did," she said, adding with a laugh, "I was always the boss."

In her high school yearbook, Fisher stated she wanted to be an entrepreneur and make a million dollars.

As the chamber's executive assistant for going on a year and a half, Fisher has numerous duties.

She co-ordinates the chamber's annual events - the Business, Home and Leisure Show; a corporate golf tournament; a Santa Claus Parade; and a reception for the organization's annual general meeting.

In addition, the chamber holds 24 regular meetings each year, she noted. "That keeps me busy, for sure."

Fisher also prepares meetings for the board of directors; performs administrative and accounting duties; provides information to the public; and prepares a newsletter.

"I have to keep current," she said. "I have to know what's going on in the community at all times."

She also answers lots of questions about Hay River from callers who are planning to visit or move to the community or do business there.

"I do answer a lot of questions," Fisher said. "I guess I'm an open book of information."

People call from all over Canada, from the United States and even from Europe, she said. "They want to know what they can do when they come up here."

Fisher enjoys the job because it involves communications.

"I like the fact I get to use my education in marketing and communications," she said, adding she has a business degree with a major in marketing and a background in accounting from Red River College in her home province of Manitoba.

The knowledge necessary for the job includes strong computer skills and a good command of the English language, both written and spoken.

"You definitely need to be an outgoing person," Fisher said.

The 27-year-old enjoys working with successful businesspeople.

"Here, I'm working with 100 and something entrepreneurs and owners of companies," she noted.

In Hay River, Fisher would like to eventually open a business, noting she has a few ideas. Her ultimate goal is to work with an advertising company creating television commercials.