Options are being explored to revive a struggling chamber. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

advocacy

Chamber hiatus raises concerns for local business community

Feb 26, 2026 | 2:47 PM

Businesses in La Ronge and surrounding communities are missing out on important services without an active chamber of commerce.  

That’s according to Jackie Wall, who was employed as an executive director for the Estevan Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade, and now works in economic development. She explained a chamber often acts as the voice of a local business community, as they ensure their membership is being represented on a municipal, provincial, and even national level.  

“The importance of a chamber in the community is exactly that. The ability to have a united voice for the business members and the business members to have the opportunity to set the course of what they would like their chamber to focus on,” Wall said. 

“The other thing I really value about my chamber is the access to information and events that it opens up for me. The primary one is if you have a strong chamber in your community, your business sector will be stronger in your community.” 

The La Ronge and District Chamber of Commerce has been mostly inactive for at least the last four months. The remaining board members, which includes President Matthew Maurer (who now lives in Calgary), as well as Daina Lapworth and Karli Carr, haven’t held a regular meeting in quite some time. Being short six members on the executive, they are unable to conduct regular business in accordance to their bylaws.  

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The lack of interest has already led to the cancellation of events such as its Tri-Community Awards Gala and the hosting of a celebration accompanying the annual Christmas tree lighting. Maurer told larongeNOW the La Ronge and District Chamber of Commerce will remain inactive until an annual general meeting in the spring. It is hoped, at that time, there will be more interest in members to join the executive.  

“It is sometimes difficult to maintain because it’s volunteer and because burnout can be a factor. If you can provide at least a part-time person to manage the chamber and some of the administration, that seems to prolong the sustainability of a chamber,” Wall noted. 

“There are various active chambers that are run fully by the board without paid staff. If the leadership in that chamber is very passionate and very strong, the chamber can be very effective.” 

Another solution could be joining a separate chamber or contracting services from larger chambers to do work in their community. Wall explained chambers that serve a large geographical area are becoming more popular in Alberta. That way, Wall said, smaller communities are able to come together and pool their resources. 

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com