Welcome EWI of Grande Prairie! EWI history was made with the Chartering of our newest Chapter, EWI of Grande Prairie, Alberta on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010.
The Corporate Board, along with past Expansion Director Kim Fankhauser, EWI of Des Moines and a Calgary Chapter Member Representative, Susan Soderlund, flew from Calgary to Grande Prairie early in the morning. Upon arrival, we were met by President Jennifer Metituk and fellow Grande Prairie Board Members. The Chapter then arranged for a tour of the city with a local City Alderman. Transportation was provided by member firm, Stanford Hotels.
Grande Prairie only has a population of approximately 50,000, however being the largest city in North Western Alberta; it has a trading area of approximately 300,000 people. As such, this city offers its residents an incredible infrastructure one would not normally see in a city of this size. The Board toured the Grande Prairie Regional College, which is also a member firm, the local museum where President Anderson was able to climb into a tee pee and an old covered wagon, and the local art gallery where we were able to get a sneak peak at a new exhibit being unveiled the next day!
Shortly before noon we arrived at member firm Evergreen Park, where we were greeted with a glass of bubbly and two female members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A fabulous luncheon featuring tastes of local cuisine was enjoyed by all: a salad of fresh greens, then an entrée of Bison Wellington with dessert being a Saskatoon Berry Crumble. The luncheon had about 80 people in attendance including the Mayor of Grande Prairie who officially welcomed the Corporate Board. After the luncheon, as Corporate Expansion Director, I then had the honour of reading the Charter while President Anderson and Director Callery presented each of the 34 new member firms with a certificate. The Charter was then presented to Chapter President Jennifer Metituk along with the official gavel.
The Chartering Ceremony was followed by a joint Board meeting. We were fascinated to hear about how this Chapter came to life in less than a year. Their approach was simply, "Bring a Friend!" Each month the Chapter doubled by doing this and we were thrilled to hear that they had another four member firms just waiting to finalize their membership applications.
Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out to all those involved in making this a memorable day for the Corporate Board! We congratulate this newest EWI Chapter for their ongoing passion and enthusiasm to EWI.
I would also like to acknowledge EWI of Lethbridge and EWI of Calgary for the gracious hospitality extended to us that week as well!
All in all, an incredibly successful trip to Canada, albeit a whirlwind week of visiting three Chapters followed by two days of Board meetings. I would like to thank my fellow Board members for taking the time to visit our Province!
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Skirten
Corporate Expansion Director
EWI of Calgary
