Pugh sworn in as chamber president

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This article was published 09/06/2023 (1203 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The outgoing president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce gave an emotional farewell speech as she passed the reins to her successor on Thursday.

MNP’s Jamie Pugh officially became president at the Victoria Inn at the season’s final chamber luncheon following the completion of Tanya LaBuick’s one-year term in the top role.

Brandon YWCA executive director Lois Ruston assumed the role of vice-president, while Jennifer Ludwig of Super Thrifty Drugs became the new secretary-treasurer.

Addressing the audience, LaBuick described the past year as both a “heck of a ride” and a great opportunity to learn more about the community.

She thanked her fellow board members and chamber staff for their hard work and assistance over the last year, former chamber presidents for their advice and the workers at her businesses for holding down the fort while she took on extra responsibilities, among others.

“With a very full heart, I will say so long the way my Baba would say goodbye to us every single time we left the house … good luck on the road and thanks,” she said.

LaBuick had special praise for general manager Connor Ketchen, who started at the chamber around the same time she became president.

“Last year I stood up here and challenged all of you, including myself, to make us better,” LaBuick said. “Little did I know that when I said that it would be you, Connor, who would make me better.”

In her first remarks as president, Pugh said businesses have seen tough times over the past few years, surviving a pandemic, forced closures, staffing shortages, inflation and rising interest rates.

“It is truly remarkable to see the resilience that the community has shown,” Pugh said.

“Businesses in the community have supported each other, helping Brandon to grow and thrive through everything. We must celebrate each business that we have in Brandon. The entrepreneurs who have come up and are teaching the next generation of entrepreneurs have made our community an amazing success. Thank you to all of you who have taken on the risk to be a part of this impressive group.”

When the Sun interviewed LaBuick, Pugh and Ruston as the chamber first all-woman executive a year ago, they said they envisioned their successive terms as president as stages of a three-year plan.

After the event, Pugh said the first year of the plan went smoothly, focusing on encouraging regional economic development and establishing connections with area politicians.

“I think we’re still just moving forward with that plan,” Pugh said. “Labour shortages are something we have to watch out for. It’s all over Manitoba that we’re having this, so we really need to focus on talking with education systems to ensure people are coming out ready to join the workforce.”

She said working with LaBuick over the previous year had been wonderful due to the close connection they established.

Asked what advice she had for Pugh as she sets off as president, LaBuick said it was just for her to be herself and to enjoy the experience.

Reflecting on her accomplishments over the past year, she cited helping Ketchen getting established in his role and establishing a new economic development initiative for the city as what she was proudest of.

“This was good,” she said of being president. “I found it very fulfilling, personally and professionally.”

Joining the board of directors as new members on Thursday were Rob Starkell of West-Can HR and Brent Miller of Victoria Inn. LaBuick remains on the board as past-president.

Departing the board were 2021-22 president Barry Cooper and Laurie Brugger of Century 21 Westman Realty.

The chamber is set to host a free outdoor barbecue today outside of its building at 1043 Rosser Ave., where visitors can meet the new president and new members of the board of directors. That event starts at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 1:30 p.m.

Next Wednesday will feature the chamber’s sold out 33rd annual golf tournament at the Wheat City Golf Course.

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