The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce held their 111th annual general meeting Thursday.

Outgoing President Andre Kruger presented his last report during the noon hour meeting in which he discussed the partnerships they are building with the surrounding area.

"Something that we've wanted to work on for a long time is look at the economic development in the rural area within a 50 kilometre range. As far as I'm concerned the Chamber would be happy and like to see the economic development really take off in those towns."

Kruger mentioned that they have signed on to join the Mid-Sask Municipal Alliance, the Alliance in turn has become a Chamber member as well.

Kruger talked about getting more area businesses involved in their marquee event, the Mark of Excellence Awards.

"We'd like to see that we get at least three to four nominees, the previous year we had some nominees out of Watson which was really good and they went on to the ABEX so that was good. If we can market the Chamber and they can market their business through the Chamber then I think it's a win-win for everyone at the end."

During the meeting, three board members stepped away, Joanne Forer's three year term had expired, Dr. Ivan Yackel stepped down during to retirement, Kent Flavel moved on after two years of his three year term.

Kruger did speak about his two years leading the board which began with the change over of Executive Directors from DonnaLyn Thorsteinson to Debra Nyczai.

"We sort of had to change direction, I guess we're at the point where we have to re-change the direction again. I'm looking forward to working as past president with the new board, it was a good two years, there was a lot of stuff we did and a lot of stuff we're going to continue doing."

Joining the board is Farmworld employee Jeff Saufert and Kelsey Van deSype who works at the Branding Barn. The new president is Kim Mitchell from Fabmar Communications.

You can hear more from Kruger below in his interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork below.