New Chamber of Commerce executive in place

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

************************* New Chamber executive take oath of office

Cale Krezek sworn in as new president of the Chamber of Commerce

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - Cale Krezek took his oath of office as president of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce on Monday afternoon before Acting Mayor Frank Manzo in council chambers.

Joining Krezek was new Chamber First Vice-President Robert W. Reid, Chamber of Commerce treasurer Ron Spadoni and Chamber of Commerce General Manager Shelley Barich.

Krezek officially began his term as Chamber president on July 1, 2009, and will serve in this capacity until June 30, 2010.

He takes over from Katherine G. MacRae.

MacRae, who is the owner of SuccessBiz Inc., a business and personal coaching agency, and local publisher of Our Homes Sault Ste. Marie magazine, will continue in an official capacity with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce as immediate past-president.

Prior to assuming the role of president of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Krezek served as both its first and second vice-president and as chair of the agency’s annual Home and Outdoor Show organizing committee.

His professional involvement within the community has also included roles as a past president of the local Canadian Italian Business Professional Association, member of the Destiny Sault Ste. Marie Steering committee and committee member for the Algoma University Golf Tournament.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Krezek attended Korah Collegiate high school and later graduated from Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in marketing.

Currently employed as a commercial sales executive with Algoma Financial Group Ltd., Krezek is also recognized for his commitment to local football; he has served as head coach for the Sault Sabercats football club for the past five years and has been with the organization for the past eight years.

Krezek notes that he assumes the role of Chamber president, optimistic of the opportunities that lay ahead for the Sault, but cognizant of the challenges that local businesses face.

“The past year has been particularly challenging for businesses,” he notes. “The recent recession has been more unique and pronounced than some of the downturns that we’ve seen in the past, but indications are that we’re starting to emerge. There are still going to be challenges ahead, but the Sault appears to have positioned itself well in recent years, ready to take advantage of emerging markets as we shift to a green focus.”

Krezek notes that the Chamber’s voice in the community is an important one because its membership directly represents approximately 900 employers locally.

Reid, who is assuming the role of first vice-president, is the president of N-Sci Technologies.

Spadoni, who is serving his second year as the Chamber’s treasurer, is an associate partner at the local KPMG LLP.

The Chamber of Commerce is the recognized voice of business committed to the enhancement of economic prosperity in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Chamber is approximately 900 members strong and has been serving the needs of this community since 1889.

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