As the President of the WeBA

As the President of the West Edmonton Business Association (WEBA), I had the privilege of leading a dynamic group of people and organizations within Edmonton’s business community. The role was both challenging and rewarding, requiring a combination of strategic thinking, effective communication, and a genuine commitment to teamwork.

At the core of my responsibilities was the task of providing visionary leadership to WEBA, aligning its objectives with the evolving needs of our members and the broader business landscape. This involves staying abreast of the needs of our members (or prospective members) and legislative changes that may impact our businesses. By understanding the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses, I tried to guide WEBA in developing initiatives that add tangible value to our members’ operations.

A key aspect of my role was to serve as a spokesperson for WEBA, advocating for the interests of our members at various levels of government and within the wider community. This required building relationships with key stakeholders to ensure that the concerns and priorities of our business community are heard and addressed. Through effective advocacy, we aim to create an environment that supports the growth and success of businesses in West Edmonton.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of WEBA’s approach to fostering a thriving business community. As President, I worked closely with the Board of Directors (Board), comprised of representatives from diverse industries, to set strategic priorities and chart the course for the association. Together, we leveraged the collective expertise and resources of our Board to implement programs and initiatives that enhance the overall business environment.

WEBA places a strong emphasis on networking and relationship-building among its members. The Board actively engages in cultivating these connections, facilitating events, and creating platforms that allow businesses to connect, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. This not only strengthens the fabric of the local business community but also contributes to the economic vitality of the region.

My proudest moments as the President of WEBA were the opportunity to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of this association and the Mayor’s Luncheon event. The 40^th Anniversary was a great evening of golf and socializing where we were able to celebrate this impressive achievement amongst members and local municipal politician Andrew Knack. The Mayor’s luncheon was a unique opportunity to interact with the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi. It was an intimate setting with a few planned words and some open dialogue.

Moving forward I anticipate that WEBA will demonstrate a commitment to education and professional development. By organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions, we can equip our members with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern business. This commitment to education extends to promoting mentoring and peer to peer sharing. We have a lot that we can learn from each other, we just need to create the impetus for conversation.

I intend to maintain my relationship with WEBA (currently acting as Past President) as I look forward to benefiting from the progress the current President Rendel Elock and his Board are sure to make. I am honored to have been President and part of this longstanding association.