What We Can Do For You
Want to learn more?
Find out about how we can help your business reach the next level
What We Stand For
Member Driven
We believe that the impact we create for local businesses ultimately affects the lives of business owners and employees, lending to a greater good in our community.
Problem Solving
We are proud to solve problems that the business community is facing by connecting them with resources, supporting our members, and advocating on their behalf.
Integrity
We believe in high standard of professionalism and present ourselves and the organization with authenticity.
Collaboration
We believe in collaboration of businesses and organizations from all industries united in the efforts to strengthen the local economy. We value a team mentality and believe that there is power in one unified voice.
Ethical
We are a nonpartisan organization that respects the background and beliefs of all parties we encounter. As a liaison between business and government, we remain impartial and strive for balanced solutions.
Partners to Propel You Forward
Scott Lehr, President
Committee Involvement: Executive, Finance, Leadership Development Agribusiness Council (Chair)
Scott was born and raised in the Medicine Hat area on the family’s 3 generation farm and ranch, Short Grass Ranches Ltd. He and his wife Mandy are living and raising their three children on the farm today. Scott has been involved in agriculture his entire life in production, with additional experience in the agricultural supply industry. He has been involved in the community as a member of the Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat, local youth organizations and 4-H. Short Grass Ranches Ltd takes great pride in supporting the local community through several community organizations. Scott was actively involved in both the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission and Alberta Wheat Commissions. These organizations provided the opportunity for Scott to network with farmers, work with and take part in learning opportunities with industry organizations, and different levels of government including the Canadian Grain Commission as Grain Producer Representative and on the Western Standards Committee. He looks forward to the opportunity to be a voice for agriculture and all business in the area to assist local business and the community to grow and prosper.
Trevor Anhel, First Vice President
Committee Member: Executive, Finance, Community Connections (Chair)
Trevor has called Medicine Hat home for over 20 years and has dedicated his career to Financial Services. Currently as a Mortgage Specialist with RBC, he helps clients with financing one of their largest and most valued assets – the place they call home. As previous Chair of Alberta Advisory Council of Mortgage professionals he leads a diversified team committed to influencing positive change within the industry he serves. Trevor is a past director of our local CHBA and continues to be an active member. He’s passionate about helping others thrive and is looking forward to the opportunity to serve on the Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Heid, Second Vice President
Committee Member: Executive, Urban Development Industry, Finance Policy Council (Chair)
Steve was born and raised in Medicine Hat and has a love for our city and its development. With over 25 years experience in the building and construction industry and now, as the owner of Lacey Homes, Steve understands the importance of future growth and the strength of our business community. He looks forward to his term with the Chamber and his opportunity to give back to our community, while learning more about other local industries and our business community.
Brett Pudwell, Treasurer
Committee Member: Executive, Finance (Chair)
Brett was born and raised on a farm 20 kilometers northeast of Medicine Hat and graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2013. He is currently employed at EBT Chartered Accountants LLP, as well as working on the family farm on the side. Brett has served as a guest teacher at Community Futures Entre-Corp in their self-employment program, teaching modules including cash flow and understanding financial statements. Prior to returning to school, he worked for a number of years in the oilfield service industry. Brett is pleased to be able to bring his energy, time and perspective of Medicine Hat and the surrounding community to the Chamber of Commerce organization.
Marcus Campbell, Past President
Committee Involvement: Executive, Finance Board Leadership (Chair) Ex-Officio
Marcus has lived in Medicine Hat for over 20 years with a specific focus in renewable energy for the last nine years. He enjoyed previous involvement in the Economic Development Alliance Energy Committee, as well as involvement in CANSIA and SESA. Marcus looks forward to contributing his knowledge, work ethic, experience and integrity to the Board, while giving back to the community and moving our business community forward.
Reagan Weeks, Director
Committee Member: Leadership Development
Reagan was raised in Medicine Hat and happily continues to call the area home with her family. She has a Master’s of Business Administration that focussed on public private partnerships, and recently completed a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University researching effective communication between stakeholders. Reagan believes strengths based and adaptive leadership can be used to form connections and partnerships to improve community outcomes. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Alberta Sexual Assault Response Committee, Thrive, and the YMCA of Medicine Hat. She is the Assistant Superintendent of Prairie Rose School Division, which serves 29117 sq. kms surrounding Medicine Hat.
Sarah Franchetto, Director
Committee Member: Sport & Event Council, Policy Council
Sarah was born and raised in Medicine Hat, and is now happily raising her family here. She has been working in the banking industry for 15 years, with the past 6 years having a business component. Most recently she has focused exclusively on small businesses. Throughout this time she has found a passion advocating for businesses and their owners. Her experience in banking has given her great insight into many different types of businesses – from professionals, to trades, to retail, to agriculture, to oilfield and trucking and everything in between. Sarah has been heavily involved in the bank’s community initiatives including the RBC Blue Water Project, organizing days of service and charity drives as well as hosting events which provide advice and guidance on all things financial for business owners. She looks forward to continue working with the Chamber to help businesses in our community grow and thrive. Sarah enjoys working collaboratively and as a team to get things done. Sarah and her husband Marco are the proud parents of Santino and Dahnya. Sarah believes that Medicine Hat is the best community to live and work in and looks forward to being involved with the Chamber.
Steven Pudwell, Director
Committee Member: Sport & Event Council
Steven grew up, raised his family, lives, serves, owned businesses and works in Medicine Hat. He is proud to be called a “Hatter”. Over the years, Steven has volunteered with numerous community groups that helped better Medicine Hat’s facilities, services, education, healthy lifestyles, and positive influences for its people. Steven understands that it is important to continue to attract new economic opportunities and advance existing business in our area. He looks forward to contributing to the Chamber with hard work ethic and thoughtful communication.
Les Scholly, Director
Committee Member: Policy Council, Community Connections
Les is originally from Calgary and moved to Medicine Hat in 1993 to complete his year long legal articles with the firm Gordon Smith & Company. While he initially did not intend to stay in Medicine Hat, he found working in a smaller center allowed him opportunities to do legal work for “real people”, which was much different experience from his friends who were articling in the larger Calgary firms. He started making personal and business connections in that first year and he really enjoyed the learning opportunities working as a lawyer in Medicine Hat. He met his wife in Medicine Hat and he has been married 20 years and has 3 boys. He moved to Pritchard & Co. Law Firm after his twins were born and has been there for 16 years. His legal practice consists of helping businesses, from set-up to succession, and helping individuals plan and administer their estates. He has learned to appreciate the Chamber’s benefits through his involvement in the Chamber Connect, Ag-vocacy Events, and the Chamber Awards Gala. Law is a field where giving back to the community is important and he would like to focus his community involvement through the Chamber.
Mark Keller, Director
Committee Member: Community Connections
Born in Calgary, Mark has lived and worked in four communities and two provinces but likes to call Medicine Hat home. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Advancement & Community Relations for Medicine Hat College, much of his career is in community development and communications in the postsecondary sector. Mark believes in the value of lifelong learning, has an MBA in public relations and community management, as well as education in journalism and aviation. He is committed to community safety and is a volunteer search and rescue manager. Enhancing regional collaboration and partnership are among the goals he hopes to achieve.
Brandon Sanchioni, Director
Committee Member:
Brandon Sanchioni is a senior leader with an entrepreneurial vision. Brandon served as an Ambassador for the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, then was elected to the Board of Directors. While serving on the board as a Director Brandon was involved in the finance committee, economic development committee and policy committee while being involved in several high profile community events. During this time, Brandon was also elected to the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society as Director then voted in as President. While holding the President position, Brandon was heavily involved in community events and committees including the resource optimization committee, finance committee and leadership committee. He also spent time on the fundraising committee which included the planning and operations of certain community events. His passion for community involvement is evident with his work and approach as he has always put community engagement before profit. Brandon has held several senior leadership positions including his current role as General Manager/Partner of Medicine Hat Nissan.
Kirsten Spek, Director
Committee Member: Community Connections
Kirsten is originally from Fort McMurray AB. She has lived in Medicine Hat for about 7 years. She moved to Medicine Hat on a whim and quickly fell in love with the city. Her husband has been a small business owner/entrepreneur in the area for the last 16 years. Over the last 6 years Kirsten and her husband have started two additional businesses and purchased 3 revenue properties in the downtown core. Kirsten's belief is to create beautiful affordable spaces for small business owners to thrive.
