The Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday.  

The agenda was short and sweet but went over a few key items including their 2022 financial statement, the swearing-in of new president Ryan Hrechka for Aaron Ruston and the acceptance of new board members.  

Ryan Hrechka was sworn in on Thursday and will take over the presidential duties from Aaron Ruston. Ruston says in his outgoing remarks that it has been truly an honour to be a part of such an amazing organization.  

“During my time as president of the chamber, I was privileged to be a part of many different exciting events both publicly as well as decisions made to help move the local businesses and public forward," explains Ruston. "Things like the 20th anniversary of the MJ Bex Awards, seeing the ongoing outcomes of the Live.Love.Local campaign, and the Chamber hosting Think Tanks.” 

He went on to thank all the members of the board, such as Rob Clark, for their continued support and advocation on behalf of the Chamber to further strengthen the community. 

Incoming president Ryan Hrechka is a partner at Grayson & Company Law Firm here in Moose Jaw, which has been part of the community for many years. Hrechka is about to lead a Chamber with a very strong foundation.  

“We’ve got an amazing team and an amazing board who have worked very hard through the pandemic. I’m quite blessed coming into this position knowing all the hard work they’ve done,” Hrechka says.  

He says that this new role has been a few years in the making as he started out as the chamber’s treasurer and has been with the board for a number a few years.  

“As a business owner in the community and it’s one of those things where you have to look to the future. Moose Jaw is a great community and I just wanted to be part of something that would help the business community move forward.” 

His plan for moving forward in his new role is to continue to help the businesses within Moose Jaw as some are still struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Whether that’s financial, or getting the word out and helping them get through this. We’re really going to focus on getting the help that those businesses need to continue going and staying in our community and provide services to our community.” 

One of Ruston’s final acts as president was to approve the acceptance of five new board members.  

Those five are Doug Young co-owner of Minute Muffler and Flattop Automotive, Jasmine Cameron, General Manager of the Hillcrest Golf Club, Megan Patterson, an instructor at Sask Polytech, Scott Greenough of CAE Inc., and Shelly Dahlman, Community General Manager of CIBC.  

In terms of their financial statement, BTN Chartered Professional Accountants took the reins and says the Chamber has rebounded strongly through the exit of COVID-19.

“The Chamber had a solid year financially considering the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says CPA, Andrea Gilliam. “The balance sheet presents a small increase in net assets.” 

Other highlights were operations saw a strong result in 2022, as did the Chamber’s revenue streams. In conclusion, Moose Jaw’s Chamber of Commerce has put in the work to bring new business into the community, along with continuing to help businesses to make a stronger Moose Jaw.  

Following lunch, guest speakers Kristen Craig Associate Dean at Sask Polytech, Jim Dixon, Economic Development Manager with the City of Moose Jaw, and Scott Greenough, Director of NFTC Operations for CAE Inc. were asked questions on how to continue growing Moose Jaw’s economy.