After 12 years of dedicated service, Harrison-Agassiz head Robert Reyerse has announced he is stepping down as president.
In a letter dated Monday, September 28, Reyerse stated he recently agreed to become a director of the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society with Rick Hansen; this new role coupled with his ongoing professional obligations as executive director of Tourims Harrison led to the decision to step away from the chamber’s president position.
“As of our upcoming AGM, I I will be stepping down as president,” Reyerse wrote. “It is time for someone new to take the helm with new ideas and new enthusiasm. I would encourage all our members to consider becoming a director and perhaps taking on the role of leading this great organization. You won’t regret it.”
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Reyerse called his 12-year run with the local chamber “rich and rewarding.”
“It has been an honour to lead this wonderful group of business owners and professionals,” he wrote. “But as with all things, a moment comes when it is time for a change.”
Reyerse took the bulk of the emalied letter to recap some of the accomplishments the local business communities have done during his 12 years as executive director. He took on the role in 2008, during the 150th anniversary of the founding of British Columbia. The Chamber brought the paddle wheeler back to Harrison Hot Springs, a financial risk at the time that paid off as the single biggest event ever held by the chamber in terms of finances.
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With a logo revamp, a new website and a rise in membership, the Chamber grew and flourished under Reyerse’s direction. The Chamber held numerous breakfast and lunch meetings to keep the community updated on the latest business and advertising practices, bringing in frequent experts as guest speakers. During Reyerse’s time with the Chamber, they hosted four Business Excellence Award contests and Galas in an effort to further tout the “Shop Local” message.
The Chamber sponsored a number of events over the years, such as Bands on the Beach and Sasquatch Days in addition to being a major financial supporter in local history by funding the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and the Harrison Sasquatch Museum to name a few.
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