The St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming their new president in the new year.
On Jan. 4, Allan Bartolcic will take on the role of president and CEO of the Chamber following the retirement of Jennifer McCurdy.
“When this opportunity presented itself, I thought, 'Wow, what an excellent opportunity to make a difference during these challenging times' – you know, roll up my sleeves,” said Bartolcic.
Bartolcic said the Chamber has done a fantastic job with current resources, staff, volunteers and board members. He said the Chamber has an incredible reputation and he is excited to contribute. He has plans for how he will tackle his new role.
“My role is really as an observer at first, see how things have been done,” he said.
COVID has created many challenges for business, but in those challenges lies opportunity. He has a vision to grow business – not just commercial, but also industrial – and to work in partnership with business developments and the City of St. Albert.
“Promoting growth and development and buying local are certainly going to be the keys during these challenging times,” he said.
Bartolcic is coming to the Chamber from the Alberta Government Finance Officers Association, where he was the executive director.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity and feel that my years of experience, education, combined with being a key manager and leader and responsible for overseeing administration operation and strategic planning has definitely prepared me for the role,” said Bartolcic.
McCurdy announced her retirement from the Chamber this past fall. She was in the top executive position for three years but had been with the Chamber for a total of 13 years.
McCurdy will be staying on for a short period in January to help with the transition. Bartolcic acknowledged he has big shoes to fill.
“When I begin on Jan. 4, it will really just be head down, writing as many notes and asking all kinds of questions from where the Chamber was 13 years ago to where we are now,” he said. “And what her vision is moving forward because I want to continue on with that vision and that legacy.”
Board chair, Margaret Mrazek, said it is always a sad time when someone who has been with the Chamber for such a long time leaves, but the Chamber accepted McCurdy's decision to retire.
“We're very excited going forward and we're very happy also that Jennifer has graciously agreed to stay on for a couple of weeks into January to help with the transition,” she said.
Mrazek thinks that the Chamber will be able to grow from where McCurdy left off and that Bartolcic has the experience to help with that successful growth.
“Sometimes things happen for the right reason,” said Mrazek.
