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Board of Trade director reflects on the first six months on the job

The last six months have been quite the learning curve for Stettler Regional Board of Trade’s (BOT) executive director.
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(File photo)

The last six months have been quite the learning curve for Stettler Regional Board of Trade’s (BOT) executive director.

Byron Geddes took over as executive director of the organization in the fall of 2021, and in that time he has had to learn the who’s who of the Stettler business scene, build connections with other Alberta chambers of commerce, represent the BOT at events such as the Christmas tree lighting, the pheasant festival, the awards gala and other events.

“It’s been a huge learning curve,” said Geddes.

“I’ve been back-filling where I’m needed. I get around 150 emails a day.”

Most recently, Geddes and the team at BOT have been focused on the 40th edition of the Stettler Trade Show, which ran from April 8 to 10.

“I observe, and see where I can add benefit,” said Geddes.

“The girls in the office are amazing. They have glowing reviews from the business people (in town).”

With the trade show done, the BOT has other projects to keep themselves busy.

Coming up after the Stettler Trade Show is an employment fair on April 26, business mixers will be starting up again in May, plans are in the works for the Taste of the Heartland long-table-supper and a variety of other projects are in the planning stages heading into next winter as well.

One pet project Geddes is working on is drawing movie productions to the Stettler area.

With productions such as the Calgary-filmed Last of Us and the Drumheller-filmed Ghostbusters: Afterlife proving the viability of film productions in the province, Geddes wonders why not come a bit further north to Stettler?

To help showcase the area, and the talents of the residents, Geddes and the BOT will be partnering with the Jewel Theatre this fall to hold a Stettler Film Festival in September. Submissions are currently open at www.stettlerfilmfestival.ca.

“Six months is just getting my feet wet,” said Geddes.

“We’ve got something going every month, and we’re making sure everyone is on the same page as far as shop local.”



Kevin Sabo

About the Author: Kevin Sabo

I’m Kevin Sabo. I’ve been a resident of the Castor area for the last 12 years and counting, first coming out here in my previous career as an EMT.
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