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2022-2023 Board of Directors

Westerner Parks holds Annual General Meeting

Jun 10, 2022 | 4:12 PM

Westerner Park welcomed shareholders in–person to the Chalet on Thursday for their 2021-2022 Annual General Meeting.

On June 9, shareholders approved amendments to the Articles of Association, heard reports from the Governance and Nominating Committees, and received the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.

2021 – 2022 Financial Results

Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, Westerner Park’s shareholders were updated on the health of operations, including insights into the key activities and financial impacts of the recent fiscal year.

Officials say Total Revenue of $12.38 million was less than budgeted but prudent cost controls of $7.29 million in Event Expenses and $6.89 million in Non-Event Expenses resulted in an overall Operating Income of $404,495 before non-cash charges and contributions, which outperformed budget by $372,860.

Officials also say that while events were limited by the pandemic, grants received were higher than anticipated, and Westerner Park was able to achieve its first payments on the City of Red Deer loan.

In looking forward, officials state the 2022 – 2023 budget is projected to materially break even with key risks including:

  • While a steady return to business is expected for the coming year, pandemic recovery is still a factor that will continue to impact the event industry and Westerner Park.
  • Business partners are also recovering from the past two years.
  • Developed in conjunction with the City of Red Deer, the asset management plan is expected to provide a clear picture of the full extent of the overall facility heath and required investments in the future.

“Westerner Park must focus on improving its overall profitability to ensure the stability and health of our organization,” said Mike Olesen, Chief Executive Officer. “As an Agricultural Society and registered Not-For-Profit, increased revenues will mean more reinvestment back into our facilities.”

Election Results

Shareholders also celebrated five retiring directors: Lars Rogers, Dianne Harder, Rick Polutnik, Scott Wyzykoski, and Damian Zapisocky.

Eight candidates addressed the shareholders to seek election for the four vacant positions.

“On behalf of the Westerner Park Board of Directors, I would like to extend a sincere thanks to our Past Presidents, Shareholders, former and fellow Board members for their leadership and dedication,” says Deb Beck, Westerner Park President and Board Chair.

“I’m pleased to continue working with Board incumbent, Marty Vellner, who was re-elected for another three-year term, and to welcome three new candidates to our Team – Alicia Erickson, Nicole Lorrain, and Darcy Mykytyshyn. I look forward to working with this strong group of individuals to chart a course for Westerner Park that keeps us true to our mission while seeking new ideas and direction that will be best for our long-term financial success and stability.”

The Board later held a brief organizational meeting, to announce the 2022 – 2023 Board of Directors:

  • Deb Beck, President
  • Tyler Nightingale, Vice President
  • Janice Wing, Past President
  • Elected Directors:
    • Garett Cupples
    • Alicia Erickson
    • Dave Harvey
    • Nicole Lorrain
    • Al Lucas
    • Darcy Mykytyshyn
    • Gil Vallee
    • Marty Vellner
  • Appointed Directors:
    • Vesna Higham, City of Red Deer
    • Lawrence Lee, City of Red Deer
    • Christine Moore, Red Deer County
  • Mike Olesen, Chief Executive Officer
  • Tara Lodewyk, Acting City Manager & Advisor

2022 – 2023 Strategic Priorities

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, officials at Westerner Park say they persevered and were able to celebrate with modified or scaled-down events including Wagons at Westerner, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Agri-Trade, various agriculturally focused events, and what they say was a very successful Red Deer Rebels season.

“Looking forward, several key developments will serve us well in overcoming the challenges that Westerner Park has faced and help us to pursue future success. Westerner Park has been focused on realigning ourselves to our core purpose,” said Olesen.

“We are intent on ensuring each decision we make is true to our agriculture roots and delivers on our commitment to our stakeholders and the Central Alberta community. We have prioritized four key focus areas that will take us into the future with a solid foundation and an eye to growth and sustainability.”

These four strategic priorities include:

  1. Stabilization and positioning for sustainable growth
  2. Positive Brand Position: with stakeholders to recognize the value of working with Westerner Park and how it can contribute to the economic well-being of central Alberta
  3. Premier Experiences: being known for creating exceptional experiences for clients, guests, volunteers, and staff
  4. Governance and Stewardship: sound governance practices as the Board of Directors of a Registered Charity and Non-Profit Agricultural Society

“Our leaders will guide the delivery of our mission to provide exceptional guest experiences through premier facilities and services and focus on Westerner Park’s return as a hub of activity and a source of pride for our community,” officials said in a release.

Established in 1891, Westerner Park is a registered not-for-profit with charitable status. On average, Westerner Park states it generates more than $150 million in economic activity yearly, with more than 1.5 million visitors celebrating over 1,500 events.