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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:
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Promote a shop local mindset.
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Support businesses to thrive.
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Advocate to influence public policy for a healthy business climate.
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Connect, network, and draw on resources to strengthen their business.
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Miranda Lychak
President
Committees: Executive, Nomination, AGM, and Christmas Party
Bio:
Kim Shimko
Vice President
Committees: Executive, Golf Tournament, and Christmas Party
Bio:
Mackenzie McIntyre
Treasurer
Committees: Executive, Finance, Golf Tournament, Fair Kick-Off, and Christmas Party
Bio:
Amber Skolarchuk
Secretary
Committees: Nominations
Bio:
Aiyana Thompson
Executive Director
Committees: Fair Kick Off, Golf Tournament, Black Friday, Symposium, Nomination, AGM, and Christmas Party
Aiyana proudly calls Vermilion her hometown. She is passionate about supporting local businesses, building connections, and fostering growth within the community.
Sherry Martin
Director
Committees: AGM, Christmas and Small Business Awards
Bio:
Aaron Knopp
Director
Committees: Finance
Bio:
Jason Stelmaschuk
Director
County of Vermilion River Division 5 Councillor
Bio:
Robert Snow
Director
Town of Vermilion Councillor
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.
Jean Murie
Director
Committees:
Bio:
Justin Reid
Director
Committees:
Originally from Joggins, Nova Scotia, I made Vermilion my home in 2014. In 2022, I founded 3 Guys and a Small Fry, a local business providing renovations, landscaping, commercial support, and staffing solutions throughout the region.
Today, I lead a team of 17 and remain committed to delivering dependable service, upholding strong community values, and supporting local growth—both through my business and my role as a director with the Chamber of Commerce.
Sandra Stone
Director
Committees:
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
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.”
