The Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host our inaugural Brooks-Newell Leadership Breakfast on November 5th, with a new format and fresh approach, following the recent municipal elections. This format reflects the Chamber's commitment to regional collaboration and leadership. We were pleased to be able to welcome both elected officials and senior administrators from our participating municipalities, providing an opportunity to hear from our Chief Elected Officers and Chief Administrative Officers in the Brooks-Newell region.

The Mayor of Brooks, Reeve of the County of Newell and Deputy Mayor of Rosemary joined CAOs from each of these three municipalities to provide a perspective of the roles of the elected representatives and role of municipal administration within a City, Town and County and the work that happens within the region.

Mayor Gerestein (City of Brooks): Highlighted upcoming developments, along with the optimism and collaboration with the newly elected council. Mayor Gerestein also outlined the priorities including infrastructure (e.g., sewer lagoon), community safety, red tape reduction, strategic planning, and budgeting.

CAO Doug Lagore (City of Brooks): Praised the new council’s orientation and commitment, while emphasizing the importance of governance and administrative boundaries. He also expressed confidence in the council’s ability to serve effectively during the upcoming term.

Reeve Arno Doerksen (County of Newell): Celebrated regional assets and highlighted irrigation expansion as a key economic driver. He also expressed the need for youth involvement and regional collaboration for future economic development.

CAO Matt Fenske (County of Newell): Stressed the importance of business development with a large proportion of property tax coming from business investment. He also promoted the small business tax incentives and early payment discounts available in the County as well as encouraged ratepayers to direct service issues to administration and policy concerns to elected officials.

Deputy Mayor Yoko Fujimoto (Village of Rosemary): Expressed pride in community spirit and development, highlighted some of their successful annual events and invited attendees to visit Rosemary and see its progress.

CAO Sharon Zacharias (Village of Rosemary): Shared successes on residential infrastructure, low debt, and their recreational facilities. She also promoted affordable housing and land, strategic priorities in agriculture and family-friendly services, as well as highlighting regional cooperation in utilities and social services.

Questions from the audience focused on supporting local businesses and contractors, regional collaboration for economic growth and strategies to retain consumer dollars locally. Watch the Replay Here.

Be sure to check out www.brooks-newelldirectory.ca and email brooks-newell@southeastalbertachamber.ca to be included in upcoming event invitations and monthly updates.