It will be business a usual when the newly elected chairman of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd. takes the helm next month.
Al Kemmere, reeve of Mountain View County, said his role will be to work with CAEP staff to implement the organization’s strategic plan and continue to move forward.
He played down the significance of him being the first chairman who is not the mayor of an urban municipality.
“That shouldn’t be a big focus,” he said, pointing out that the board consists of representatives of urban and rural municipalities, and they’ve all worked well together.
Kemmere said CAEP, which promotes rural economic development and diversification of the Central Alberta economy, has benefitted rural communities like Mountain View County.
“We’ve tried to make use of the tools that CAEP has provided to us,” he said, describing how CAEP helps its members market themselves.
Rounding out the 2010 CAEP executive will be Olds Councillor Harvey Walsh, who becomes vice-chairman; Red Deer Councillor Gail Parks, who will be the new treasurer; and Alice Murray, a business representative from Clearwater County, who will serve as secretary.
Rimbey Mayor Dale Barr, who served as CAEP chair the past two years, will move into the past chairman’s position.
CAEP consists of 41 members and 13 associate organizations.