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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A well-liked banking executive of the city's business community has been sworn in as the new president of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

Jason McEvoy, manager of commercial financial services, North of 60, for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), was acclaimed Oct. 18, at the chamber's annual general meeting.

"It's kind of exciting," McEvoy told Yellowknifer, calling the decision to run a "no-brainer" after being asked by past-president Larry Jacquard if he was interested in the role.

"I wanted to get more involved in the business community I wanted to work with this board of directors which I think is very strong and it seemed like both a great opportunity and a nice challenge to work at," McEvoy said.

Born in Ontario and raised in Winnipeg, McEvoy started his career with RBC 15 years ago, at the age of 25.

He joined the chamber board last spring.

McEvoy, who recently married wife Dianna in Positano, Italy, enjoys music and plays the guitar at a "campfire skill level," he said. He also loves to travel and play sports.

McEvoy's personality is his biggest strength as the new chamber president, said Sylvie Francoeur, interim executive director of the chamber.

"I think anybody could tell you that Jason is very dedicated, first of all," Francoeur said. "Professionally, he has the right background. As a banker he has the experience and the knowledge and then on top of that he's got the right personality. I mean, he's a friendly, dynamic individual."

The president's personality and knowledge of chamber issues will also go a long way with advocacy on behalf of chamber members with the city and other organizations, Francoeur added.

McEvoy said he has met with mayor-elect Mark Heyck.

"One of the chamber's primary objectives is always going to be advocacy for our members, and we'd like to do it in partnership with city and council," he said. "I got to meet the mayor-elect Mark. He's a fantastic guy. I'm sure we'll be talking lots."

Heyck, who addressed chamber members at the President's Ball last Thursday night, just 72 hours after city election polls closed, said he realized during the campaign that the business sector is a very important part of the community and there are many issues to be addressed "head on."

He said he plans to have an open-door policy with chamber members and other members of the business community when he takes office.

Outgoing chamber president Larry Jacquard, of Nunavut Insurance Brokers Ltd., did not seek a second term, announcing that he and his wife, Andreanne Laporte, are expecting a baby.

Allison Kincaid of Genesis Group was elected first vice-president of the chamber. Second vice-president is Ryan Sawatzky of PropertyGuys.com, and treasurer is Jeffery Kincaid, of the Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op.

Directors include Chuck Corothers, Corother's Home Building Centre; Toby Cowx, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC); Allison Camenzuli, Kellett Communications Ltd.; Alain Chiasson, McLennan Ross LLP; Renee Comeau, Bank Of Montreal; Colleen Tsikira, DME Driving School; Fadil Memedi, Javaroma; Aaron Jaque, Cascom Ltd.; Chris Kulas, First Air; Richard LaRoche, Staples; and Dwayne Simmons, Northern News Services Ltd..

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