The Executive Director vacancy at the Steinbach City Chamber of Commerce has officially been filled.

As of Tuesday, Michelle Bezditny moved from an interim position into the official role Executive Director. Chamber President Tim Schmitt says this fit seemed organic.

“Michelle is a really qualified individual and brings a lot of great skills to the organization. She has a lot of great relationships with local people and businesses and is already familiar with the processes of the Chamber so it just seemed like a natural fit.”

Like any major transition, Schmitt notes that there were some difficulties. “There’s always an adjustment period required when somebody leaves an organization, especially in a key role, but everybody pulled together and made things work.”

Schmitt commends his team for stepping up and carrying on with normal operations in a smooth manner.

Bezditny agrees that the transition has felt smooth and is honored to have been the one selected to fill the position. Though her role will not change significantly between being her time as an interim Executive Director and her current employment she feels the distinction is necessary.

“To have a permanent Executive Director really provides a level of stability that is needed internally.”

Bezditny says she has two main goals as she moves into the new year. Her first objective is to create and maintain strong relationships with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations as well as Eastman Immigrant Services. Her second goal is to work at establishing an economic development partnership between the Chamber and the City of Steinbach.

Since her hiring, only a few days ago, Bezditny says she has experienced overwhelming support and is honored to have been the one chosen for this position.

Meanwhile, Schmitt notes that Bezditny’s former job as the Membership Development Coordinator for the Chamber is now left empty. However, rather than fill this spot immediately, they are taking an analytical approach.

“This is a time to reevaluate the Chamber and see what our needs are,” comments Schmitt. “It is an opportunity to restructure this and focus elsewhere in the organization. We haven’t decided what that looks like at this point, but it will be something we discuss over the next little while.”