The CEO of the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce, Karla Wiens is taking on an additional role with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Saskatchewan.

Wiens will serve as President for a one-year term and this will be in addition to her work as CEO at the Swift Chamber.

The Executives is comprised of members from chambers across the province.

Wiens speaks about her time with the Commerce Executives and what her new role means to her.

"I value that group wholeheartedly. Just the information that I have learned from other chambers from the advice from more seasoned staff members at those chambers and keep in mind some of the chambers across the province have had the same staff. Some of them have quit tenured staff. So some of them may have been there for 15 maybe 20 years."

In her new role as President, Wiens will be responsible for working to create agendas for meetings and getting to know people in positions better as well as ensuring meetings stay on track.

Wiens has been a member of the Executive for a number of years and speaks about their strong advocacy for shopping local.

"We have been strong advocates for the essential thoughts of shopping local. supporting local. So when I watch T.V. or read the news, it warms my heart to see that I think that message is spreading loud and clear."

Wiens says the Chamber of Commerce Executives belong to a Canadian network comprised of a huge group of businesses focused organizations. They are actively advocating for the business community such as not wanting to see another widespread lockdown after the Spring, as they were told many businesses wouldn't survive a second one. 

In terms of dealing with the pandemic, Wiens says they are rolling with the punches and adapting to change very well and the whole process is made easier by collaboration across the province.

People are recognizing the importance of shopping local in terms of its importance for community longevity and the pandemic has reinforced the importance of supporting your community, according to Wiens. 

When it is possible, Wiens says she would like to host a group of people from the Executive in Swift Current to showcase our own chamber. 

Wiens adds it will be an interesting and challenging year that will provide opportunities to do their best work and provide resources and assist the business community as a whole.