Chamber works with town and employment centre for AGM

The Rimbey Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting will have a different twist this year and president Jackie Stratton is confident the new format will be an excellent crowd pleaser.

The meeting, to be held Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Lions Room at the Rimbey Community Centre, will feature guest speaker Carolyn Kent. The cost of bringing the well-known speaker to the community will be shared by the Town of Rimbey, the Rimbey and District Employment Centre and the chamber.

“I’m pleased that we could all work together to bring our guest speaker in. I’m really looking forward to listening to her,” said Stratton.

Kent is the director of Am Braighe Education & Training Services and the newly formed Valor Group Consulting, a firm that assists organizations interested in hiring aboriginal, immigrant and foreign workers.

Kent’s passion is raising awareness of the benefits of diversity and creating inclusive communities and organizations. She has won awards for her outstanding citizenship, volunteerism and commitment to heritage and diversity and is involved with the Regional and Provincial Welcoming Communities’ Networks.

She initiated the Centre for Immigrants and Newcomers in Rocky Mountain House and is one of the community leaders for the ACE Diversity-Friendly community initiative.

Kent has a proven track record of designing, implanting and delivering programs and services in varied and challenging environments including the Arctic, First Nations Communities, inner-city, the developing world and rural and isolated communities.

The guest speaker is the author of Attracting and Retaining Immigrants Guide for Employers.

Following the AGM and Kent’s presentation, a wine and cheese get-together will be held.

Tickets for the event are $5 and are available at Scratchin’ the Surface and Rimbey and District Employment Centre.

Stratton advices the public to get their tickets early as seating is limited.