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The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that has advocated for the Vermilion and Area businesses since 1906. 

We are pleased to serve and represent the businesses in Blackfoot, Clandonald, County of Vermilion River, Dewberry, Islay, Kitscoty, Mannville, Marwayne, Paradise Valley, Vermilion, and every where in between.

We Empower Local and District Business!

We Will:

  • Promote a shop local mindset.

  • Support businesses to thrive.

  • Advocate to influence public policy for a healthy business climate.

  • Connect, network, and draw on resources to strengthen their business.

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Dawn Riley 

Bio: I am honoured to serve as President of the Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce and excited to work
alongside our members, Board of Directors, and community partners to help support and grow our local business
community.


Professionally, I serve as the Program Director of Special Projects with FOCUS Society for Support Services. My
work has given me the opportunity to build partnerships, develop community programs, and collaborate with
businesses, municipalities, and organizations across our region. It’s work I genuinely enjoy because every
successful partnership starts with people who are willing to sit down, have a conversation, and work toward a
common goal.


I also wear a different hat at home. My husband and I operate a small hog farm on his grandparents’ homestead
just south of Vermilion. Farming has given me a real appreciation for the hard work, resilience, and determination it
takes to build something that lasts, and for the important role agriculture plays in our local economy.
I hold a Master’s degree in Integrated Arts and am proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Vermilion. Both
have shaped how I approach leadership. I believe the best ideas come from listening, asking questions, and
bringing people together around a shared purpose.


I believe the Chamber is at its best when it connects people, supports local businesses, and creates opportunities
for our community to succeed. I look forward to meeting our members, hearing their ideas, celebrating their
successes, and working together to ensure Vermilion and District continues to be a great place to live, work, and
do business.

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Miranda Lychak

Bio:

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Mackenzie McIntyre

Bio:

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Aiyana Thompson

Aiyana proudly calls Vermilion her hometown. She is passionate about supporting local businesses, building connections, and fostering growth within the community.

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Aaron Knopp

Bio:

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Shawna Frankiw

Bio:

I have proudly called Vermilion my home since my family relocated here in 2002. I share my life with my husband, Jason, together, we raised our two wonderful children, Darren and Nicole—over the years our family has gained 2 amazing in-laws and in 2025, we received our most exciting promotion yet to "Grandparents"!

Deeply rooted in our town, I have a passion for giving back and love volunteering my time to support the community that has given our family so much. I believe a strong town starts with a thriving local economy, and my door is always open to listen and learn ways to keep Vermilion businesses vital. Whether I'm lending a hand at a local event or spending time with my growing family, I am always grateful for Vermilion's tight-knit spirit.

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Jason Stelmaschuk

Bio:

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Robert Snow

With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and community services, I bring a strong foundation in leadership and public service to my role as a director with the Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce.

I currently serve as an elected official for the Town of Vermilion and as CEO of Focus Society for Support Services, where I help oversee programs that directly support local residents. My background includes a diploma in business administration and more than two decades of experience as a paramedic, giving me practical insight into both operational management and frontline community care.

I'm passionate about building strong, resilient communities and supporting local businesses through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

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Jean Murie

Bio:

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Sandra Stone

With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, I’ve spent the past decade as a Senior Financial Advisor at Scotiabank Vermilion, proudly supporting clients through all stages of their financial journey.

I was raised on a farm in the Buffalo Coulee area south of Vermilion, and today, my husband Glen and I continue that tradition as cattle and grain farmers near Dewberry, AB. We were married in 2016 and are raising our son Lincoln, who keeps us active in the local hockey scene.

This role allows me to support and advocate for the success of businesses across our region, combining my financial expertise with a strong commitment to community service.

Meet our Staff & Board

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Are you interested in joining the Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce Board or an Event Committee? We are always welcoming new Directors and Volunteers. Please fill out the Contact Form to receive more information.

History

 

The Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce had its beginning in 1906. Founded originally as Vermilion Board of Trade, it had as its president H.W. Brown who served in this capacity for four terms, 1906 to 1909. 

Mr. Brown was then in partnership with Walter Gibson in the North-West Trading Company Store. A quote from the Vermilion Standard July 21, 1955 issue in its salute to their Golden Jubilee observance states: “The Vermilion Board of Trade in unique in its record of service. Since 1906, never has the promotional work which it was founded, been allowed to lapse throughout the first years’ history of Vermilion, the Board of Trade has always been the leader in projects contributing to the progress of the town and district, and to the welfare of the people.” 

A few interesting facts include the youngest president, Gerald Stephens; and keeping up-to-date with our times, Maxine Sweeney was the first lady-president. The name “Board of Trade” was changed to “Chamber of Commerce” in 1931, then back to “Board of Trade” in 1933. In later years it was again changed to ” Chamber of Commerce” and has remained with that title to the present time. 

The following has been said, “The Vermilion Board of Trade, a community organization dedicated to the progress of the town and district, was established in 1906, and is thus in a position to recognize the valuable contribution of the pioneers of Vermilion. They built better than they knew, for their hard work, foresight and initiative, followed by the progress of their successors, have placed Vermilion among the foremost towns in Alberta.”

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