Jodi Winkler has just completed one full year as Executive Director with the Carman & Community Chamber of Commerce and says the past year was all about revamping what they do.

"We had a bit of a rebuilding year this year and I think it's been amazing. We've kind of turned our focus onto the membership and really giving back to our members, and trying to give them things that they can benefit from."

Along with Winkler, the executive is made up of President Kelly Dyck, Vice President Scott Johnson, Treasurer Marni Harrison, and Secretary Dean North.

"The four of them and myself have worked very hard to kind of reestablish the chamber in Carman, and I think we've had a lot of success. We've been getting a lot of positive comments on being more present in the community, and we're working very closely with the town and the RM, and our Economic Development Officer Tyler King. I feel like we're headed in the right direction for sure," she says.

A few of the ways they have been executing this included lunch and learn sessions, networking meet-and-greets, and really any other ways they can build a stronger business community.

Winkler says, "we just have some really positive energy flowing and I really feel like we're in the right direction," adding that there are no major changes coming in the next year.

"We will enjoy one whole summer this year of having a completely renovated main street with the new highway, and the new sidewalks, and the lamp posts. So I feel like we won't be under construction as much this year and that our businesses will be able to thrive from that now."

She adds that the town is a great place to do business thanks to the close-knit, and loyal business community.