ST. PAUL – The St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce's newly appointed executive director says she desires to see the community grow and evolve. Yvonne Weinmeier was appointed to the position on July 11.
Weinmeier says she aims to bring more activity and offer support to the diverse cultures and backgrounds within the community. She also wants to use her strong relationship with the community to help the Chamber grow, as well as help local businesses prosper.
“It's crucial that we have somebody that has some guidance and some knowledge with how we can move forward and regain our footing from these last few COVID years,” she said. For example, looking at what can be done to support businesses, get them back on track and be profitable.
One of Weinmeier's many goals as the new executive director is to build stronger communication and cooperation among the different groups within the community. She added that a more effective collaborative atmosphere between the various groups in St. Paul and the surrounding area, would create better efficiency.
“Everybody's common goal is to prosper the community (and) that's what we all want,” she said. “So, collaborating with different groups and making sure that everybody's on the same page – and not one group putting money here, and then another group putting money there, when they could be combined together.”
Lakeland This Week asked Weinmeier about any planned future projects, and she said there are all kinds of funding opportunities available. Potential projects will aim to create a more attractive community for businesses and the residents that support these businesses, such as the recent ‘Red River Cart’ project at the Lagasse Park. The project was funded by the Commemorative Canada – Reopening Grant through the Department of Canadian Heritage. Weinmeier said, “the cart represents all the people that settled, lived, or moved through this land.”
“There's always going to be something on the roll (and) new grants to apply for to build a community and... support our businesses,” she said. “I've been told it's a never-ending job, so I'm excited about that.”
She said she is looking forward to working together with Terri Amy, the administrative assistant for St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce. Weinmeier said that Amy helps with everything, including projects, accounting, and supporting businesses.
Debra Poulin, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said Weinmeier brings a lot of enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge to the table. Poulin believes Weinmeier will offer a different perspective and do a great job connecting different groups.
“I think she's a great fit and I think it's going to be a fantastic year,” Poulin said. “We've got a new start now (and) we have someone new at the helm as executive director, and I think she's going to do a great job.”
Weinmeier has a variety of experience including insurance sales, finance and risk management, office management, marketing, and quality control, and more that she brings to her new role.
“As a result, I have developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to relate effectively to a multitude of individuals on different levels. I have established a solid work ethic encompassing a variety of diverse environments,” said Weinmeier, speaking to why she feels she’s a good fit for the position of executive director.
The St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that advance existing businesses and supports economic development initiatives. The organization helps influence public policy and governments to support a healthy business climate and provides support, tools and programs to its members.
Weinmeier encourages local businesses to reach out to the Chamber for support.
