Souris business owner, Mia Toews, started Exact Shine Auto Detailing shortly after moving to the area just over 2 years ago.

Toews has become a strong advocate for her local chamber of commerce and has now taken the lead as Executive Chair of the Souris-Glenwood Chamber.

She was nominated as secretary back in February, which opened the door to be part of the executive team.  As a new business owner, Toews wasn't familiar to the networking and promotional benefits of being a Chamber member.

"But then I talked to a few people, and I joined, and I just loved what they were doing," shares Toews, "and they were really helping and promoting those businesses in and around the area, and I thought, 'I have a new business.  I need to be a part of this to get my name out!"

"So, this is a great opportunity for someone who is maybe new to Souris, starting a new business, and they want to get their business out there and their name out there," she adds, "or just to get to know the community."

The annual Scarecrow Days is coming up in September and Toews is taking the lead on planning the weekend event.  Over the past few weeks Toews made personal visits to the members of their local chamber to introduce herself and share more information on being a chamber member in their community, and also share they can be a part of this community event. 

"I really made this a priority, so people know who I am and that I'm here to help you to help us with the Chamber, and people recognize that here is this person who has come out on foot, and introduced themselves, and maybe they'll want to help us with this event this year."

The Souris Chamber is strong in membership, but also in supporting their executive, with a core group of members who help facilitate the different facets of organizing community events. "I do have a committee that works under me. We have a girl who does our marketing, and another lady who's reaching out to other businesses or other volunteers to help sponsor events or set up events."

"They're helping me guide as well," adds Toews.  "I don't always know everybody in town, like who do I contact for town beautification, for example, well people in the sub-committee know who that person is "and here's their number!"  So, that's the good thing about having a bit of a team doing this.  Everyone is able to help me out and they want to see this succeed and grow!"