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Incoming chamber chair trumpets youth involvement

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New volunteer chair of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce wants to see more youth involved in the business community so owners can help them become more aware of the opportunities that exist here in St. Albert.

“This year we’re going to pull together a bunch of members from the community and get youth more involved in our chamber,” Charlene Zoltenko told the Gazette on Monday.

“Whether that is going to take the direction of mentorship or not, we’re not sure yet,” said Zoltenko, who said working with youth would be her “passion” over the next year.

Last year, Zoltenko helped set up youth awards through the chamber’s annual Small Business Week Awards of Distinction.

She said many young people might not be aware of the opportunities that exist for them in St. Albert’s business community.

“I think that once they leave and do their schooling outside the community, they don’t realize the opportunities that are [available] back in St. Albert for them,” she said.

Zoltenko earned her chartered insurance professional certification from the Insurance Institute of Alberta and completed administrative assistance training at NAIT prior to that.

She has owned a business, State Farm Insurance, in the community since 1993 and said she enjoys living and working in St. Albert.

Challenges to come

Zoltenko said the business community will be faced with some challenges in the coming year.

One specific challenge, she said, will include working with council to change land use bylaws that currently limit which kind of businesses can set up shop in St. Albert.

“I know there has been some frustration with certain businesses not being able to get into St. Albert so we’re hoping to work on some of the bylaws to open that up a little more broadly,” she said.

Although she has been a member of the chamber since opening her business 18 years ago, Zoltenko said holding the position of chair will allow her to access parts of the community she probably wouldn’t otherwise.

“I get to learn a lot more about St. Albert business-wise, but also what goes on in our community and it’s great to have that knowledge, especially when you live and work here,” she said.

Zoltenko, who was previously a member of the chamber’s board, also said that holding the position of chair will be a great learning opportunity.

Zoltenko and first chair Darel Baker will be officially sworn in by Mayor Nolan Crouse at the 2011 Chamber Gala on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at the St. Albert Curling Club. The event will include a live art creation by Lewis Lavoie and an auction of the artwork to benefit the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce building fund.