The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) introduced its 2016 Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 21.
Wanda Hunchak will continue to serve as Board Chair of SREDA. Wanda is Vice-President of Westcap Mgt. Ltd. and has served on the SREDA Board of Directors since 2012. In addition, Jonathan Huntington will serve as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Jonathan is the Manager of Communications and Community Investment at Cameco Corporation and has served on the SREDA Board of Directors since 2013.
Newly elected to the board is Kendal Netmaker, award winning entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Kendal is an Aboriginal entrepreneur who grew up in Sweetgrass First Nation, Saskatchewan. He is the founder of the popular clothing brand, Neechie Gear, a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers youth through sports. After completing two degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Kendal grew the brand from a small one bedroom apartment to two Neechie Gear stores in Saskatchewan, numerous retail outlets in North America and an online store. Kendal dedicates his time to growing his company and motivating young professionals across Canada and internationally.
“On behalf of SREDA, I am pleased to welcome Kendal Netmaker to the SREDA Board of Directors. We believe Kendal’s entrepreneurship expertise and strong community leadership will be a definite asset to the Board,” said Wanda Hunchak, Board Chair of SREDA.
Re-elected directors to serve a two-year term are: Wanda Hunchak, Westcap Mgt. Ltd.; and Dion Protzak, Saskatoon Metal Manufacturing. Existing directors serving the second of their two-year term are: Rod Delahey, The Marketing Den; Greg Fowler, University of Saskatchewan; Jonathan Huntington, Cameco Corporation; Rob Lamb, Canadian Light Source; Kelly Thompson, Federated Co-operatives Ltd. and Josh Walchuk, ICR Commercial Real Estate.
Officials appointed to the 2016 board are: Don Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon; Troy Davies, Ward 4 City Councillor; Randy Donauer, Ward 5 City Councillor; and Judy Harwood, Reeve, RM of Corman Park; and Sheryl Spence, Mayor of Warman.
“SREDA’s Board of Directors represent the local community, industry and region and bring significant experience and expertise to our organization,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “We are fortunate to have them give their time, knowledge and leadership as we continue to help grow the local economy and create economic prosperity in the Saskatoon region.”
At the Annual General Meeting CEO Alex Fallon presented SREDA’s 2015 performance highlights which included an economic impact of $68.6 million and return of investment of $39:$1.
“2015 was a milestone year for SREDA. We are proud to announce that for the first time ever, SREDA is able to report an economic impact of our services and return of investment to our investors,” said Fallon.
