Pattie Pavlov | Special to the Fitzhugh
Chamber Champions—that is what we call them. “Them” is the collective term for our executive and board, and it’s high time you meet the collective, on their individual merit.
Tackling the many and varied activities of the executive, please meet Justin Melnyk our president. Justin, a born and raised Jasper “kid,” is the general manager of the Jasper Brewpub, and that alone brings a myriad of entanglements from day-to-day operations, to staffing, to customer service and, of course, to ensuring the pub continually grows in both reputation and offerings. With all that leftover spare time, Justin is using his experience and homegrown smarts to support the membership and all partners with the goal of making Jasper the best place to live, work and play.
Naji Khouri, what to say on his involvement as vice-president? So many things to say, so little copy space! In addition to his role as chef concierge at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which more than keeps him busy everyday, Naji’s engagement with the administrative team and ability to listen and act are inspiring.
The secretary-treasurer for this chamber year is Merv Bashforth. Most locals know him as the ever-smiling guy behind the pharmacy counter of Jasper Pharmasave. While a pharmaceutical whiz, he also has his finger on the financial pulse of your chamber. His business savvy and ability to work the numbers makes us the stable organization we are, even in very unstable times.
So, who remains from the executive? Past President Richard Cooper (aka Coops) with Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection. His role? Mentor, support and inspire the executive, board and administrative team to think beyond the boardroom and seek collaborative responses with partners and friends toward continuing to make Jasper the destination.
The board, well if you want to talk about five people with diverse backgrounds, experience, businesses? We surely will. Time to meet the board of directors for 2021/22 – Estelle Blanchette (Jasper Food Tours) and two-year board member, as well as Matricia Brown (Warrior Women) also a two-year board member. Back for another year of giving is Gillian Thompson (Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection), and joining us this year is Susan McCarthy (VIA Rail Canada). And the ever-popular individual rounding out the board? Ross Derksen (Home Hardware).
Each brings their life, business and community conscience to the table, daily. Each knows and embraces the challenges of living, working and yes, playing in our community. As coaches, as mentors, as those who step up regardless of the challenges, they each champion their causes and most importantly they understand why “Chamber Matters.”
So, to end this edition, let us cheer the chamber champions behind the logo and tagline! Thank you for your passion, dedication and above all insight into moving our businesses into the future with confidence and courage.
Pattie Pavlov is the executive director of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce.
