There is always learning curves to a new position.
But the new Executive Director of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce, Stacey Poss, says she is ready to take on the challenges of growing the Chamber.
First that means bringing the pieces together, she says.
“There are so many pieces of our operation...our main priority is business but it’s just developing some goals as far as what we can do to reach out to more of our region.”
Increasing the Chamber’s reach as far as the region is something that the board really wants to focus on going forward, says Poss and there are so many resources within the region to connect to, including organizations like the Mid-Sask Municipal Alliance and Sagehill Community Futures.
Currently, Poss is working with partners and potential partners to assess what is and can be done for businesses within the Chamber but as soon as she has more of a sure footing, she will work on extenting services and partnerships with more regional partners, she says.
“There is so much being done, so for us I think one big piece is going to be advocacy... and just tweaking some of the things we’re doing now to serve our businesses better.”
Poss is no stranger to the business world, with previous experience with her own small businesses as well as experience with both the City of Humboldt and Humboldt Big Brothers Big Sisters.
This has given her unique relationships with local businesses and non-profit groups, something which was a big draw for Chamber President Kim Mitchell.
“With her knowledge of the community, people, and the different businesses she has worked for, she will fit in and do very well.”
The current business environment is facing some challenges and that will effect local businesses as well as the City and local municipalities.
Streamlining services and making sure businesses have the tools to succeed and stay strong is going to be a big challenge going forward, says Poss.
One challenge going forward is government cuts. But with the challenges also come opportunity, she says. For example, the cuts to STC could mean a chance for little guys to come in and fill that need.
“I’m just looking forward to sitting down with people and understanding their perspective and what they see the Chamber doing.”
Those perspectives are things she can take back to the Chamber Board, who are businesses owners themselves, but giving small businesses a voice is something that is important to Poss.
Coming back to working with a board, Poss says a lot of it is stopping and listening to what both the board and members have to say and taking it from there.
The Chamber cannot do it all, says Poss, but there is the chance to do what they do well.
“It’s figuring out what’s most important to businesses, what do they need, working with the partners in the community.”
Poss came into the Chamber as interim Executive Director on May 1 with her taking on the permanent position on May 15. Mitchell says as always they wish Crystal Young all the best in her future.
