Chamber fills out board of directors

With nine new directors, the Camrose Chamber of Commerce will be counting on fresh ideas.

Due to recent resignations because of time constraints and policy changes at work, the board needed more positions filled. Here is an introduction of the new board members.

Jarek Chin of the World Financial Group was born and raised in Camrose. "Growing up, I was very active in minor hockey and soccer. After high school, I enrolled at Augustana and studied my Bachelor of Arts in physical education. During the summer breaks, I worked in Upper State New York at a kids' camp (Southwoods), looking after all the sports areas and a staff of about 25," said Jarek.

"Today, I'm a brokerage owner with World Financial Group, educating families on how money works, as well as mentoring and training agents in my business. I strive to become a better person and citizen everyday by reading good books, living a healthy, active life-style, and being a role model and positive influence on everyone I meet. I believe I will bring leadership and a young perspective, creativity and energy to the chamber board."

Kjeryn Davis of Investors Group was raised in Camrose with “old family roots” here. "I am a fourth generation Camrosian and I am named after Chester Ronning’s daughter Kjeryn. My daughter Kora is now four years old and I look forward to raising her in the community in which I grew up."

She was accepted into a denturist program two years in a row, but declined because she felt a natural talent for finance. "I attained my MFDA mutual funds license and LLQP life, accident and sickness insurance license through the institute of financial planners and began my career as a financial consultant." She has been at Investors Group since 2008. "Volunteering has allowed me to meet a lot of the beautiful people who make up Camrose and I look forward to the opportunity to share my passions with the Camrose Chamber of Commerce."

Christine Gulbraa of Cloud 9 Day Spas has lived in Camrose for the past eight and a half years. "I am the proud mom of two sons." Cloud 9 Day Spas is just over one year old now. "I put my name forward for nomination on the chamber board because I would like to give back to Camrose for opening its arms to my family and my business," she said. "I feel that I will be a benefit and fit with the board for betterment and growth of businesses in Camrose.

Lucas Norrie of The Canadian Brewhouse currently lives in Camrose with his fiancé Amanda and their daughter Olivia. "A long-time friend and business partner, DJ Ilg and I, opened The Canadian Brewhouse in December 2010. I was born in B.C. where I lived until the age of 10. Our family moved to Ohaton and I attended school at Bawlf, where I was the Students' Union president, captain of both volleyball and basketball teams, and graduated in 1999."

After receiving his diploma, he attended LCC in Lethbridge and majored in business management. "I have deep roots within the community, as my family has been in the area for generations (over 100 years), and is well known for our generosity, work ethic and ability to have fun at the same time. I plan to establish myself in Camrose and see great possibilities for this city in the future."

Tony Metivier of Staples moved to Camrose with his family in November of 2010 and is the general manager of Staples here in Camrose. He has been with Staples for almost 11 years and has been in the retail industry for over 30 years. Tony believes his retail background and outgoing attitude will be a great benefit to the Camrose Chamber of Commerce and the local community He was an active member of the Quesnel Chamber of Commerce and sat as a director for a couple of years, until transferring to Camrose. Tony is a firm believer that the chamber of commerce is a very important part of any community.

Ashley Morton of Premiere Event Management has worked on numerous projects/events throughout Canada, from fundraisers to trade shows, conferences to concerts, corporate events and more. She currently sits on the committee for the Camrose Celebrating Women’s Conference and produces the Camrose Fashion Show for Cancer. Ashley enjoys actively participating in the Camrose community and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and experience with future opportunities.

Ron Palecek of ATB Financial has been a resident of Camrose for the past two and a half years after living or working in ten different communities in the past 20 years. "I can truly say Camrose is a great community. We are very lucky to have such an active Chamber of Commerce working to make Camrose a better place." He was a president of Kinsmen Club – recipient of the Outstanding Presidents Award and has 19 years experience within ATB Financial with a proven track record for leadership, community involvement and achievement.

Debra Thompson is the owner of From Kicks to Kids Maternity and Children’s Boutique. Over the past 30 years, Debbie gained extensive experience in customer service in both the banking and hospitality industries. In 1989, she entered into the management studies program at Grant MacEwan College, graduating with her diploma in 1991. Over the years, Debbie has always been very active in all aspects of her community/business life. Since moving to Camrose in 2009, Debbie has been regularly attending Chamber of Commerce meetings and events.

Kim Turre is a co-owner of Bra Necessities, located in downtown Camrose, a quality bra and lingerie boutique, specializing in professional one-on-one fittings. The doors of Bra Necessities officially opened on February 8, 2010.

"Since the age of 10, I dreamed of becoming a business owner. I had many entrepreneurial ventures throughout my childhood and adolescence, but became serious about my future as an entrepreneur after a three-year career in the corporate insurance world. I believe it is imperative for a business to continually grow and evolve in order to always meet the needs of current customers, as well as perpetually develop and widen a business’s reach and drawing area in order to attract new customers on an ongoing basis."

Dawn Anderson is the president, Jennifer Filip is the first vice-president and Tanya Fox is the second vice-president.