The St. Albert Chamber of Commerce surprised local businessman Ash Khan with recognition of his lengthy record of service by naming him a lifetime member at its annual gala.
The lifetime membership is for people who distinguish themselves through meritorious or public service and is an honour the chamber has only bestowed on five other members since its inception in 1954.
“We don’t do it all the time. It just has to be someone who is quite exceptional in his commitment to the organization,” said president and CEO Lynda Moffat.
Khan fit the bill for his years of service, which included stints on the board of directors and involvement in numerous committees, which continues today, Moffat said.
In the past, Khan has always been eager to help out. For example, he stepped up and donated a photocopier and filing cabinets when the chamber was struggling, Moffat said.
“To us, that was a big deal because we just didn’t have the money to purchase a lot of stuff to keep the office going in those days,” Moffat said. “He just seems to really be there to help in any way that he can.”
Khan was instrumental in re-establishing a trade show in St. Albert. He’s been very active in boosting economic development, Moffat said.
“He’s had a big impact,” she said. “Through his efforts this organization has improved greatly.”
“He just comes through time and time again,” she added. “He always says, if you ever need anything, just let me know.”
Khan, 66, founded Management Information Group in 1978 in St. Albert. The company developed and marketed school administrative software.
The company struggled to meet its payroll in the early days but then experienced a series of expansions that eventually saw it move to Edmonton for a few years.
A successful U.S. expansion in 1998 helped MIG grow its client list to 2,500 and post annual sales of close to $7 million. Khan sold the business last May but is still busy with various charitable work.
“I’m community-minded. I feel that’s part of the rent that I pay for the space that I occupy here,” he said. “I want to make sure that this place is better than I found it.”
Khan said he was surprised when his name was called at the chamber’s annual gala last week.
“It was a very nice surprise and a huge honour,” he said. “There’s been a lot of great people that have gone through the chamber over the years.”
