The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce had a record turnout at their annual general meeting this past Thursday.

That according to Chamber President Cameron Bergen. He notes the Steinbach area has an amazing business community.

“Everyone was talking and enjoying and networking so much that I had to start 15 minutes late. I went around and asked everyone should we just let this happen for another 15 minutes because just look how powerful this is. We went a little bit late, but I think it was for all the right reasons.”

Bergen says a highlight of the meeting was the election of four new board members. He notes Brett Adnum, Samuel Teichroew, and Christine Beaumont were voted onto the board and Carley Smith is finishing the term of Randy Reimer in representing the SCU. He notes the chamber also finalized a new method of electing board members this year.

“We wanted to make the board of election process must easier and smoother and by doing that we created a nomination bylaw and the nomination committee which is formed above the chamber board, they will look to find a diverse group of people with specific skill sets that fit so that we can bring the best diverse group of people together, that is how you build successful communities.”

Bergen says though this past year did see some growth it was also a transition year for the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.

“This year we took not a step back, but we wanted a solid transition year this year because we got a new ED [executive director] in which was a significant change for us. We did a phenomenal job, the staff, our members supported us amazingly, the board did a great job.”

Bergen says there are a number of things that are in the works that the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce in the coming few months.