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New Chamber CEO says he has right tools for the job

Apr 14, 2015 | 4:35 PM

Larry Fladager, best known by many for his long career at SIAST, will start his new job as CEO of the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce at the end of April.

“You know I told my friends for the last year or so that I’m retired, so there’s a significant change in my life too because I thought I was retiring,” said Fladager. “Opportunities come along in life and you think about it and you say ‘I don’t want to pass this one up.’”

Fladager is no stranger to leadership roles. 

Fladager served as reeve of the Rural Municipality of Buckland for two years.  He also worked at SIAST (now known as Saskatchewan Polytechnic) for 28 years, 18 of those years as campus director with the Woodland Campus.

 “I had quite a variety of roles in that organization over all those years and, you know, as a senior leader in a significant organization in the community, I think I can bring a lot of skills and ability to the job that should benefit the chamber membership in Prince Albert.”

The learning curve will not be too steep for Fladager, having already served on the chamber board for 17 years, including one term as board chair. 

“I’m really excited about getting back in and getting up to speed on what the issues are and how we can create good value for the membership and play a real serious advocacy role for business in the city and surrounding areas,” said Fladager.

Fladager’s first official day at the Chamber of Commerce will be April 27.

He will spend a few days job shadowing outgoing CEO Merle Lacert. Fladager will also help out with the Samuel McLeod Business Awards on April 23.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell