Long-time Airdrie resident Marilyne Aalhus took over as executive director at the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Sept. 24, and is looking to bring a "freshness" to the position. “We just felt that she had the best fit for our values. She’s local – she knows Airdrie,” said Glen Smaha, president of the Chamber’s board of directors. “She knows Airdrie as a resident, and [knows] the business community, as well.” The Chamber took its time hiring Aalhus for the position, according to Smaha, after Lorna Hunt, who held the position for 18 years, stepped down in December 2017. Marie Lauer served as interim executive director after Hunt’s departure. More than 30 applications were received for the job, Smaha said, which were eventually whittled down to a short list of four by a subcommittee of the board of directors. Aalhus said she saw the position as the “next gradual step” in her career. “I’m very passionate about living and working in this community. I was fortunate enough that this opportunity presented itself,” she said. “I think I can bring a freshness – someone who knows their community really, really well, but also is coming with new ideas.” She assumes the job after spending four years working for the Airdrie Public Library as manager of fundraising and marketing. Aalhus has also accumulated extensive not-for-profit experience, holding positions in the past at the MS Society of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and the Missing Children Society of Canada. While Aalhus said it’s too early to discuss specific ideas she has for her new role, she is looking forward to the challenge. “We’re not going to make those changes overnight, but we’re excited that the direction is moving towards some new initiatives for the business community,” she said. “Our goal is to be putting together a strategic plan for the next three years, something that is necessary, moving forward, to really decide where the business community wants our chamber to go. “It’s ultimately not my decision; it’s our members’ decision, it’s our board’s decision, how we want to see the chamber move in the future.” With Small Business Week and the Airdrie Business Awards coming up in October, Aalhus said she’ll be very busy as she settles into her new role. “I’ll be excited to meet a lot of our members at those really exciting events,” she said. For more information about the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, visit airdriechamber.ca
