.jpg)
As Jackie Wall prepares to step down as Executive Director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce on September 25th, she leaves behind a legacy of transformative leadership and community impact. After nearly a decade of guiding the Chamber through challenges and celebrating milestones, Wall is ready to channel her passion into creative ventures, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
“I’m very excited about moving on from the Chamber and diving into my side projects,” Wall said. “Balancing these projects over the last few years has been challenging, and I’m looking forward to dedicating more time to them.”
Wall’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including being named Executive Director of the Year in Chambers with fewer than 500 members in 2022. “That was a huge highlight because it really reinforced the amazing work that the Chamber has been doing and continues to do,” Wall said. Her involvement with the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance and other provincial and national networks further highlighted her dedication to representing Estevan’s interests.
She has witnessed substantial changes in the business community during her time. “There are so many different variables that impact business within our community,” Wall said. “Being more proactive in getting involved in our community and on a larger scale to advocate for what needs to happen has been a significant change.”
The shift towards digital presence, accelerated by COVID-19, has also been notable. Wall emphasized the importance of staying informed about industry changes and their impact on the community. “A lot of that was really spurred on by COVID, but it was happening before and has continued to evolve in terms of digital innovation,” Wall said.
Managing and staying updated on a wide array of sectors and their evolving changes has been a major challenge, Wall explained. She has had to navigate various industries, energy sources, and business practices while understanding their impact on the community and local businesses.
Wall’s advice for future leaders includes staying abreast of these changes and being proactive. “You need to keep up with how changes affect businesses and the economy,” she said. “The advocacy and connections made through the Chamber can positively impact many businesses.”
One of her notable contributions was the creation of Coffee Talk, a platform for local businesses and nonprofits to collaborate and share ideas. “Coffee Talk was my brainchild, designed to bring people together, encourage communication, and foster collaboration. It has been rewarding to see its positive impact on both for-profit and nonprofit sectors,” Wall said.
As she transitions to new ventures, Wall plans to focus on her art studio, creative classes, and strategic planning workshops. “I’m excited to continue working creatively and helping businesses and organizations with strategic planning,” she said. She will also remain involved in economic development work, assisting communities in navigating economic challenges.
Wall expressed gratitude for her time at the Chamber and the relationships she built. “It’s been a privilege to work with so many dedicated individuals,” she said. Her departure marks the end of a significant era for the Chamber, but her impact will be felt for years to come.
As Wall steps into the next chapter of her career, the Estevan Chamber will continue under new leadership, guided by the strong foundation she helped build.