The Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new manager.
Diane Mineault, who came to town a year ago from Camrose to serve as the chamber's executive director, is resigning due to health complications and to be closer to her family in the St. Albert area.
“I am sad. I have met some great people. I've enjoyed working with the town, and with Doug (Bos) and the chamber,” said Mineault. “I really hate to leave as I don't feel I finished all the things I was hoping to accomplish but I have to make this decision to leave. I really hope they carry on with all the great things they are doing, like the branding.”
However, Mineault said she is leaving with a sense of professional pride as she was able to establish regular networking meetings for chamber members, getting the town and chamber to work more closely together, implementing the Light Up Innisfail contest during the Christmas season, increasing sales for the Community Connector phone book, selling out the 2014 Trade Show, and convincing Red Deer County to sit on the chamber executive.
Last month, Mineault was also instrumental in the success of the first annual Metis Family Picnic in Innisfail. She was on the organizing committee for the event, the first one of its kind held in Innisfail in more than 120 years.
While Mineault plans on following doctor's orders to improve her health, she has secured a position to work part-time as chamber manager for the Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce.
In the meantime, Mineault's resignation has left a note of sadness with senior chamber officials.
“Diane has been great to work with. She has done a lot of work to get everything straightened up and it is unfortunate that her health does not allow her to keep working anymore,” said Doug Bos, chamber president. “Everybody is going to miss her. I definitely wish her the best.
“We are going to have to reorganize and get another executive director, or a chamber manager,” added Bos.
Bos noted the chamber has already begun advertising for a replacement for Mineault, who will work with the new title of chamber manager.
