The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce had many highlights over the year 2007, as it continued to focus on its primary function of serving its members in the community.

A big move for the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce this year was partnering with the Southeast Regional Economic Development Authority (SEREDA) in taking over the Tourism portfolio from the City of Weyburn. In response to this, Lacey Johnson was hired as Tourism Manager.

"Johnson was born and raised in the area, and has been working hard to promote Weyburn," said Weyburn Chamber manager, Jeff Richards. "Our partnership with SEREDA will create some exciting things for tourism and our residents in 2008."

In March, the Chamber held its first-ever President's Dinner, with the new event serving as the Chamber's annual general meeting and an opportunity to celebrate the work of the Chamber and its members. "It was a very classy event, with a positive response from our members, and we are looking forward to holding it again in 2008," said Richards.

In June, the Chamber hosted a special luncheon, in conjunction with its annual golf tournament, with Hon. Gary Lunn, Federal Minister of Natural Resources, as well as a number of federal MPs.

Also in June, the Chamber presented its annual Business Clean-up awards.

On July 3, the Chamber organized its annual Weyburn Fair parade. Already plans are being made for the 2008 Weyburn Fair parade, as it will commemorate the Centennial year for the Weyburn Agricultural Society.

Then in October, the Chamber hosted an All-Candidates Forum for the Weyburn-Big Muddy candidates in the provincial election. On Nov. 15, Farmer Appreciation Night was held.

The Chamber officially kicked off the Christmas holiday season with its 14th annual Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 6. This year's parade was the biggest to date, and included a special appearance by Gainer the Gopher, mascot of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The last event of 2007 was a kick-off for an event for 2008, as the WEYBEX awards were kicked-off on Dec. 5 with an event at the Weyburn Co-op.

In addition to these major events, the Chamber held a number of member breakfasts and seminars throughout the year, with topics ranging from labour standards and employee retention, to highway twinning and the Health Authority's labour strategy.

The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to 2008 with great anticipation. Although 2007 showed great growth, much more is expected in coming times. Most of Saskatchewan experienced both economic and population growth, and Weyburn was no exception.

Issues such as labour and housing shortages are somewhat new to many in Weyburn, and the Chamber is working hard to help identify strategies to cope with these growing pains.

Richards commented that "I think that the biggest issue that the Chamber will have to face in 2008 is the scheduled minimum wage increases, as they will become a concern for a lot of small businesses in our community." The Chamber will be actively monitoring the minimum wage increases, as well as other big issues such as labour legislation changes, immigration and taxation.

"These issues cross all three levels of government, and the Chamber is proud of the positive working relationship it has with the federal Member of Parliament, the provincial Member of the Legislature and our city officials," said Richards.

Something else that will make an eventful year for the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce is that it is a WEYBEX year. The WEYBEX awards are held bi-annually as a way to celebrate Business Excellence in Weyburn and the surrounding area. Nominations are open and packages are available from the Chamber office.

"All in all, Weyburn is growing and our businesses are meeting the needs of the community," said Richards. "We are fortunate to have such a vibrant and involved business community, and the Chamber will continue to provide the best possible services to our members so that they, in return, can continue to provide the best possible services to our community."